11/08/2009

Couple Named In Baby P Case

The couple responsible for the death of Baby P have finally been named following the expiration of a court order which gave them anonymity.

The boy's mother, Tracey Connelly, 28, and her partner, Steven Barker, 33, both of Haringey, north London, were found guilty of causing the death of 17-month-old Peter Connelly and were jailed in May this year.

Peter, who was found dead in a house in Penshurst Road, Tottenham, in August 2007, had suffered more than 50 injuries, including fractured ribs and a broken back.

It is now emerged that the third defendant in the case, Jason Owens, 37, is Barker's brother, who changed his name following Peter's death.

It has been revealed that the brothers had also been charged with assaulting their grandmother, Hilda Barker, in 1995, in an attempt to force her to change her will. The case was dropped when Mrs Barker, 82, died before giving evidence.

Barker, Connelly and Owen were jailed for 12 years, five years and three years, respectively, for causing or allowing the death of Peter.

Barker also received a life sentence for raping a two-year-old girl, in a separate court case.

It has also been revealed that Peter had four siblings, who have all now been re-homed.

The case has attracted such attention that it is thought that the trio will have to be given protection and new identities upon their release from prison.

(KMcA/BMcC)

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