Council Offers 'Formal Apology' For Baby P Death

The boss of Haringey Council has issued a 'formal apology' for the abuse and death of Baby P.

The 17-month-old baby had died in a blood-splattered cot at his home in Haringey in August, after suffering more than 50 injuries, including a broken back, despite being on the authority's 'at-risk' list.

Last night, Council Leader George Meehan acknowledged the death of Baby P had highlighted the failure "by all agencies involved".

A consultant paediatrician and two other medical experts concluded the bruises found on the baby’s body suggested "non-accidental" injuries.

However, just three days before the death of Baby P, prosecutors ruled there was not enough evidence to bring a case.

The councillor made the apology at their cabinet meeting, during which Liberal Democrats called for his resignation.

During the meeting, members of the public shouted: "shame" and "how many more must die?"

Cllr Meehan said: "Let me begin by making clear that we are very sorry for the events which led up to the death of Baby P; sorry for the suffering he endured; sorry for the failure of all the child protection agencies involved to protect him, to save his life.

"Haringey Council's apology is heartfelt and unreserved. There is no failure to recognise our accountability - we do so and await the report of the review."

He added: "There has, however, been failure by all the agencies involved to protect this little child from the pain and suffering which led to his death and for that we are truly and genuinely sorry."

Yesterday, Children's Secretary Ed Balls announced new legislation aimed at enhancing the protection of children deemed 'at-risk'.

Mr Balls said that following the failure of social workers in Haringey to prevent the abuse and death of Baby P every area of England should be covered by a Children's Trust Board (CTB).

(JM)