Baby P’s Killer Set to Walk Free Amid Fury
Connelly Could Be Released Within Weeks
What’s left of justice? The woman jailed in 2009 for brutally killing her 17-month-old son, Peter Connelly, is poised to be freed from prison. Connelly, 40, was convicted after baby Peter was found with over 50 injuries, including fractured ribs and a broken back.
The tragic case sparked national outrage because Baby P was visited 60 times by social workers, police, and health professionals before his death – yet no one stopped the abuse.
Justice Secretary Blasts Parole Board Decision
Dominic Raab, the Justice Secretary, has slammed the parole board’s move to release Connelly. He branded her actions “pure evil” and warned that the decision highlights major flaws in the parole system.
“This choice shows why the board needs a fundamental overhaul – including a ministerial check for the most serious offenders,” Raab said.
Strict Licence Conditions in Place
Though Connelly could leave prison soon, she will face a barrage of strict rules. Her licence comes with 20 extra conditions, including:
- Living at a specified address
- Wearing an electronic tag
- Following a curfew
- Disclosing her movements and contacts
- A ban on visiting certain places to protect victims
Controversy and Past Parole Struggles
Connelly was first released on licence in 2013 but was sent back to prison two years later for breaching conditions. Since then, she has been denied parole three times.
Her boyfriend Steven Barker and his brother Jason Owen were also jailed for their roles in Peter’s death.
In March, the independent Parole Board ruled she posed a “low risk” of reoffending, with probation and prison officials backing her release.
Raab appealed the decision, but a judge ruled the parole board’s original decision was “not irrational” and upheld it.
