Mother of Baby P admits she can be manipulative as parole bid resumes

What Happened

Tracey Connelly, now in her 40s and mother of the late Baby P, told a parole panel she can be "manipulative and opportunistic" as her bid for release continued after an almost year‑long pause. Connelly was jailed in 2009 at the Old Bailey for causing or allowing the death of her 17‑month‑old son Peter on 3 August 2007 in their Tottenham home after months of abuse. The toddler suffered more than 50 injuries and was on the at‑risk register, receiving 60 visits from social workers, police and health staff over eight months.

Reaction

During the hearing Connelly said the label was "not nice" but accepted it as fair, adding she is not skilful at deceit but often makes mistakes that trap her in a loop. She expressed hatred for hearing the family’s statements about lifelong pain, saying she cannot apologise for the suffering caused. The panel heard private statements from Peter’s family, who asked for protective conditions if she were released. The hearing was held in public after a judge ruled there was a substantial public interest. Earlier parole decisions were blocked in 2015, 2017 and 2019, and a 2022 release was overturned after Justice Secretary Dominic Raab appealed, though a judge later rejected the appeal. Connelly was recalled in August 2024 for breaching licence conditions, prompting a forensic phone examination and further psychological assessment before the current hearing.

Context

Parole decisions in high‑profile child‑death cases draw intense public scrutiny because they balance the offender’s risk of reoffending against the victims’ families’ need for closure and safety. The case also highlights gaps in social‑service responses despite repeated professional visits.