Steven Barker, the stepfather of Baby P, has been referred to the Parole Board for a sixth time, raising the possibility of his release within months. Barker, 48, was jailed in 2009 for causing or allowing the death of 17-month-old Peter Connelly in Tottenham, north London, in 2007. He also received a life sentence for the rape of a two-year-old, with a minimum term of ten years.
Parole Board experts will assess his progress in prison, speak to officials and those he has been in contact with, and may decide to release him, hold a hearing, or keep him in prison if he is deemed too dangerous. Barker was denied parole two years ago as he continued to deny the rape and causing harm to Peter, and has not taken part in courses to reduce his risk of reoffending.
Peter's death shocked the nation; he suffered more than 50 injuries, including a broken back and ribs, and his fingernails were torn out. The case became a watershed moment in child cruelty cases due to the frequent contact social services had with the family before his death.
Separately, Peter's mother, Tracey Connelly, is also pursuing release. She appeared before a Parole Board panel last year, admitting her 'selfishness' led to Peter's death, but her case was adjourned. It is set to reconvene later this month, with evidence heard over two days to determine if she still poses a risk.
A Parole Board spokesperson stated: 'We can confirm the parole review of Steven Barker has been referred to the Parole Board by the Secretary of State for Justice and is following standard processes. Parole Board decisions are solely focused on what risk a prisoner could represent to the public if released and whether that risk is manageable in the community.'
