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)

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