THE mother and grandmother of a baby boy who died at the hands of his father are trying to come to terms with his shock admission of guilt (Gerry Warren writes).

Former Herne Bay High School pupil Edward Dolan, 28, had always protested his innocence over the death of little Daniel Gosling who was shaken to death.

But at the start of his retrial for murder this week, the car mechanic pleaded guilty to manslaughter, which the Crown accepted. He now admits killing his son but says he did not mean to.

The admission has stunned baby Daniel's mother, Dawn Gosling and grandmother, Christine Howard, who had been bracing themselves for another distressing court ordeal.

Mrs Howard, who lives in Herne Bay where both her daughter and Dolan grew up, said: "We are devastated but also feel vindicated because Dolan tried to blame Dawn and she has suffered ever since. Not only had she lost her baby boy, but he pointed the finger at her.

"Now he has admitted killing Daniel after all, having put us all through the trauma of a trial and waiting for a retrial. He may be pleading guilty to manslaughter but in our eyes he will have always still murdered Daniel."

Daniel was five months old when in March, 2000, he was shaken violently by his father causing him numerous injuries including a broken neck.

The incident happened when he and Miss Gosling were living at The Elms, Hersden. Paramedics were called to the house and found the baby lifeless, cold and blue.

At first cot death was suspected, but a post-mortem later revealed the horrific extent of Daniel's neck and head injuries. Other injuries, including broken ribs and a broken arm, were also found.

Dolan was convicted of murder and sentenced to life in April, 2001, but released in July, last year, after the conviction was quashed on appeal and a retrial ordered. He is now awaiting sentence for manslaughter at the Old Bailey on May 30.