By Mother of Baby P set to be released
The mother of Baby P is set to be released from prison after the Parole Board rejected a Government challenge against its ruling to release her.
Tracey Connelly could released within weeks after the decision.
Board judges refused the bid by Justice Secretary Dominic Raab to keep her behind bars for longer.
Mr Raab condemned the decision and said it was proof the Parole Board needed a “fundamental overhaul”.
She was jailed at the Old Bailey in 2009 for causing or allowing the death of her 17-month-old son Peter at their home in Tottenham, north London, on August 3, 2007.
Responding to the decision, Mr Raab said Connelly’s actions were “pure evil” and added:
“The decision to release her demonstrates why the parole board needs a fundamental overhaul – including a ministerial check for the most serious offenders – so that it serves and protects the public.”
Connelly was released on licence in 2013 but recalled to prison in 2015 for breaching her parole conditions.
In March the Parole Board concurred she was suitable for release, the board having rejected three previous bids.
Mr Raab asked the board last month to re-examine the decision under the so-called reconsideration mechanism.
The Parole Board announced that the application had been rejected and the original decision sustained on Thursday.
A spokesman said in a statement: “Following the reconsideration application from the Secretary of State, a judge has ruled that the decision made by independent Parole Board members to release was not irrational, as stated in the reconsideration application, and the original decision is upheld.”
Mr Raab has vowed to “enforce public safety”.
The child, known as Baby P, had suffered more than 50 injuries despite being on the at-risk register.
There were also 60 visits from social workers, police officers and health professionals over eight months.
A series of reviews identified missed opportunities for officials to save the toddler’s life had they acted accordingly.
(Image Source: PA/ITV NEWS)
