A detective who interviewed Tracey Connelly, the mother of Baby P, has said she should not be given a 'second chance' as she faces a parole hearing next month. Jon Wedger, a former Metropolitan Police officer, described Connelly as a 'very controlling woman' and a 'manipulative monster' who should never be freed.
Connelly, 41, was jailed in 2009 for causing or allowing the death of her 17-month-old son Peter at their home in Tottenham, north London, in August 2007. Her then-boyfriend Steven Barker and his brother Jason Owen were also convicted. Connelly is set to go before a parole panel next month.
Mr Wedger, who interviewed Connelly days before Peter's death, said she adopted a pretence as a caring mother and gave 'ridiculous' excuses for her son's injuries. However, when challenged, 'the monster in her came out'. He recalled: 'I turned round to her and said 'that is the monster your child sees'.'
Connelly was released in 2013 but recalled for breaching parole conditions in 2015. She was released again in 2022 but recalled after failing to follow conditions, including hiding an intimate relationship with a man. Last year, Connelly broke her silence, admitting she was a 'bad mother' and failed to protect her children.
Peter suffered more than 50 injuries despite being on the at-risk register and receiving 60 visits from professionals over eight months. Connelly told the Parole Board there is 'a lot more I probably could have done' to protect her children, adding: 'I wanted my prince charming and unfortunately my children paid for that.'
Mr Wedger believes Connelly will appear 'plausible and respectable' at the hearing but insists she is a liar. 'I don't think that woman should ever be given a second chance,' he said.
