Introduction to the Case
Baby P’s mother, Tracey Connelly, was jailed in 2009 for causing or allowing the death of her 17-month-old son Peter, known as Baby P. She has already been released on license twice and recalled to prison for breaching her license conditions.
Background of the Case
Connelly was first jailed at the Old Bailey in 2009 for her role in the death of her son, who suffered more than 50 injuries, including broken ribs and a broken back. Despite being on the high-risk register and receiving 60 visits from social workers, police, and health professionals over eight months, Baby P’s abuse continued until his death on August 3, 2007.
Current Status
Connelly is applying for her latest release after being recalled to prison for a second time in August 2024 for breaching her license conditions. A parole hearing was held, where it was reported that she had begun a relationship with a man she met online without telling the officers supervising her. This situation is "very similar" to her first recall, where her behavior in custody also involved developing intimate relationships.
Concerns About Connelly’s Behavior
The parole hearing panel was told by her prison offender manager (POM) that Connelly had deleted material from her phone to prevent officers from finding out about the relationship, leading to her second callback. The panel’s chair noted that previous parole hearings had considered the risk of Connelly prioritizing the needs of her partner and her own needs over those of children if she develops an intimate relationship.
Previous Parole Applications
Connelly had previously failed to inform social services that others were living with her after her partner and his brother moved into the home. A panel in 2013 heard that she was keen to maintain her intimate relationships at all costs. Connelly’s POM said she had kept the relationship with the man she met online secret out of "fear of being judged." The chair of the panel stated that Connelly was "totally entitled" to engage in any type of relationship she wanted as long as she was open about it.
Recommendation for Release
The POM recommends that Connelly be released with a management plan. The panel has the option to approve Connelly’s release or recommend her transfer to an open prison. Connelly was first released on license in 2013 but was recalled to prison in 2015 for violating her probation. She was released for a second time in July 2022 and recalled again two years later. Previous applications for parole from 2015, 2017, and 2019 were rejected.
Victim’s Family Statements
At the start of the hearing, the chairperson said the panel had heard "extremely moving" statements from the victim’s relatives. The chair noted that "there is no doubt that Peter’s death caused lifelong harm to those who loved him." The panel will consider these statements and the risks associated with Connelly’s release when making their decision.
