Doctors warned of Baby P abuse
THREE doctors gave police and prosecutors clear warnings that Baby P showed signs of abuse before his violent death, it was revealed yesterday.
Despite their testimony the battered child was left in the care of his mother and died eight months later.
In evidence to police and prosecutors the doctors said injuries sustained by the youngster, including bruises to his face and head, were “very suggestive of non-accidental harm”.
But the medical testimony was deemed insufficient to bring a prosecution because detectives could not prove exactly how and when the injuries had been caused, and by whom.
The revelations will raise new questions about why Baby P was not removed from danger and taken into care by Haringey Council in north London.
The tormented child was taken to hospital nine times and seen by 28 social workers, doctors and police officers before he died aged 17 months in August last year. His 27-year-old mother, her boyfriend, 32, and lodger, 36, are awaiting sentencing after being convicted last week of causing or allowing his death.
The doctors’ evidence is contained in police files submitted to the Crown Prosecution service after a police investigation was launched in December 2006 when Baby P was taken to hospital with bruises to his forehead, nose, sternum and shoulder.
The injuries prompted the arrest of his mother and Baby P was temporarily placed with a family friend while the investigation continued.
But the CPS decided no charges could be brought and on July 31 – three days before Baby P died – a detective constable told the boy’s mother there would be “no further action”.
Amid criticism of the role of Haringey Council the Government has ordered further investigations into child protection.
Children’s Secretary Ed Balls said yesterday: “We all look at our own children and think how could a mother, how could adults do this, and it is hard to get beyond the revulsion.
Mr Balls is to press ahead with the extension of Children’s Trust Boards despite claims from the Audit Commission that they fail to improve the lives of young people. Even Mr Balls admitted the trusts would not solve the issues raised by the death of Baby P.
Haringey has had a Children’s Trust Board in place since 2004.
