Expert Comments On Publication Of Findings

Lessons must be learnt from two reports which have been published in relation to the tragic and avoidable death of Peter Connelly, a child abuse lawyer has demanded.

Tracey Storey of Irwin Mitchell commented after the full publication of two serious case reviews into the events surrounding the death of the 17-month-old boy, previously known in the press as Baby P, after months of abuse from his mother, her partner and his brother.

It has been revealed that the second report into the case highlighted a range of issues that social workers failed to address, including gathering information on mother Tracey Connelly’s relationship with partner Steven Barker.

Discussing the findings, abuse and neglect case specialist Tracey Storey said: “The most vital issue raised by the second report is that the death of Baby P could have been avoided. 

“This in itself highlights that there are very serious lessons to be learnt from the failures observed in this specific, terrible case.

“It is vital that the public release of these reports finally ensures that all parties involved in social work are aware of the best practice they need to follow.

“It is very tragic indeed that following the death of Victoria Climbie over 10 years ago that the same type of failings are still occurring leading to the needless and tragic death of Peter Connelly. The same mistakes must not be made in the future.”