Killing of Peter Connelly

Baby P
Born	March 1 2006 North London, United Kingdom
Died	August 3 2007 London, United Kingdom (severe physical abuse)

"Baby P" (also known as "Child A")is the alias of a 17-month old boy (real name protected by court order), who died after suffering over 50 injuries at the hands of his mother, her boyfriend, and another man. The mother (name protected by court order) of Tottenham, north London, was charged with the murder of her 17-month-old son and with allowing and causing the death of a child under 16. Her partner, (name protected by court order), also of Tottenham, was also charged with murder and allowing and causing the death of a child under 16.

Barker's brother Jason Owen, 35, of Bromley, was charged with allowing and causing the death of a child under 16.

Parallels have been drawn between the death of Baby P and that of Victoria Climbié, who was murdered in the same borough of Haringey. The death has also been the subject of debate in the House of Commons.

Haringey Council opposition had twice, once before the death and once after, requested a review of Social Services within Haringey, but Sharon Shoesmith denied that one was necessary.

Abuse

Baby P was first admitted to hospital, aged 9 months, in mid December 2006, with a head injury and bruising. Medical Staff considered the injury "non accicental", and was kept in for 4 days. On 22nd December 2007, Baby P and one of his siblings became subject to a child protection plan.

In March 2007, the eldest child was seen to be slapped by her mother.

In April 2007, Baby P was presented to hospital with a serious swelling to the head, and bruises and scratches to face and neck. It was also noted that he had head lice. He was admiteed to hospital for 2 days.

In June 2007, a social worker observed marks on Baby P and informed the police. A medical examination concluded that the bruising was due to abuse. On 4th June, the baby was placed with a friend for safeguarding.

On 25th July, Haringey's Children & Young People's Service obtained legal advice which indicated that the "threshold for initiating Care Proceedings ... was not met"

On 1st August 2007, Baby P was seens by a paediatrican for a development assessment, who judged him unwell with a viral infection and partly healing scalp infection and arranged a follow up assessment.

Aftermath

Haringey Counil initiated a internal audit Serious Case Review (SCR) after the death of Baby P. The report was release immediately after the court case had completed, although the actual report was completed months prior.

Ed Balls, Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families, has ordered an external inquiry into Haringey Council Social Services, after David Cameron asked questions about the case during Prime Minister's Questions.

A further 3 inquires have also been ordered.

• the role of all agencies in the case of Baby P including the health authority, police and Haringey Council will be reviewed
• the General Social Care Council will look into potential breaches of its code of practice.
• Lord Laming will conduct a nationwide review by of his own recommendations after the Victoria Climbie inquiry

References

• http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2008/nov/12/child-protection-crime-baby-p
• http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2008/nov/12/babyp-child-protection-victoria-climbie
• http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2008/nov/11/childprotection-ukcrime