Baby P Mother Admits Guilt at Parole Hearing After 2007 Toddler's Death

Tracey Connelly, the mother of Baby P, has publicly admitted at a parole hearing that she was a "bad mother" who failed to protect her 17-month-old son Peter, who suffered over 50 injuries including a broken back and fractured ribs before his death in 2007. Despite 60 visits by social workers, police, and health professionals, Connelly concealed her relationship with Steven Barker, the man who abused Peter, prioritizing her desire for a "prince charming" over her children's safety. She acknowledged she "knew deep down" about the abuse but was unwilling to admit the truth, partly fearing her children would be taken away, and described herself as "selfish" and emotionally overwhelmed during that time. Connelly admitted to physical punishment of her children and accepted she remains a risk to children in her care, stating she does not expect to be allowed to care for children in the future and would avoid relationships with people who have children. The parole hearing, held publicly due to significant public interest, is part of her ongoing efforts to gain freedom after multiple recalls to prison for breaching license conditions. This case remains one of the UK's most high-profile child protection failures, highlighting systemic issues and the devastating consequences of neglect and abuse.