16/06/2009

Baby P Sentences "Not Unduly Lenient"

The jail sentences handed down to those found guilty for their involvement in the death of Baby P, will not be reviewed, the Attorney General today announced.

Baroness Scotland was considering whether the sentences for the trio were "unduly lenient".

However she decided there was "no realistic prospect" of the Court of Appeal increasing the sentences.

The news comes as it emerged the boyfriend of Baby P's mother has launched a bid to overturn his convictions for his role in the toddler's death and for the rape of a two-year-old girl.

The 32-year-old boyfriend of Peter's mother, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was sentenced last month to life in prison with a minimum term of 10 years for the rape.

He was also given a 12-year sentence to run concurrently for his "major role" in Peter's death.

A legal source confirmed the 32-year-old denied both charges and his lawyers have now lodged papers appealing against both convictions and both sentences with the Court of Appeal.

The 17-month-old's 27-year-old mother was given an indefinite sentence with a minimum term of five years at the Old Bailey last month after she pleaded guilty to causing or allowing her son's death.

Her lodger, Jason Owen, 37, of Bromley, south-east London, received an indefinite sentence with a minimum term of three years for failing to take steps to save the little boy.

The Attorney General said: "It was clear to me that the judge, who had heard all of the evidence, fully appreciated the gravity of these terrible offences and took into account all of the relevant factors.

"I believe that the sentences fall within the range that it was reasonable for the judge to have imposed and there is no realistic prospect that the Court of Appeal would increase the sentences if I referred them."

The three defendants would only be released if and when they no longer presented a risk to the public, and children in particular, she stressed.

Baby Peter was found with horrific injuries in Haringey, north London, in 2007. He suffered a catalogue of injuries including a broken back and fractured ribs during months of abuse, despite being seen by medical staff, social and health workers numerous times, and being on the child protection register.

(JM/BMcC)

Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

27 May 2009
Baby P Sentences To Be Reviewed
The Attorney General is to examine whether the sentences handed down in the Baby P case were "unduly lenient". Last week Baby Peter's mother was jailed indefinitely for causing or allowing the 17-month-old's death.
05 August 2009
Missing Baby Found 'Safe And Well'
A nine-month-old baby girl who was reported missing from her home in Glouchestershire on Monday has been found safe and well. Maylayah Delaney had been reported missing by her mother shortly before lunch-time on Monday. Police have confirmed that a man from the West Midlands is helping them with their inquiries.
09 May 2008
Schoolboy Killers Sentenced To Life
Two teenagers have been given life sentences for the murder of a schoolboy. Kodja Yenga, 16, was stabbed in the heart in a gang ambush in Hammersmith, west London, in March last year. Tirrel Davis, 17, and 14-year-old Brandon Richmond have been ordered to serve a minimum of 15 years behind bars.
05 February 2004
Benefits sanction scheme for offenders extended
A pilot exercise where offenders who breach their community sentences face losing benefits will be extended for another year, it has been announced. An independent evaluation report on the sanctions policy tested in four pilot areas – Derbyshire, Hertfordshire, Teesside and West Midlands – showed that there has been a small (1.
20 January 2005
Foreign Office to issue death certificates for tsunami missing
The Foreign Office has confirmed that it will issue death certificates for British nationals missing, presumed dead, in the Boxing Day tsunami disaster.