Baby Peter mother Tracey Connelly 'released from prison'

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Tracey Connelly was jailed for a minimum of five years in 2009 after admitting causing or allowing her son's death. She had also spent more than a year in custody on remand.

The Parole Board recently said it had recommended her release.

Peter died in August 2007 with more than 50 injuries, despite being on a social services "at-risk" register.

His death at home in Tottenham, north London, came a day after police told his mother she would not be prosecuted over abuse of the 17-month-old.

Social workers, health professionals and police officers had visited 60 times in eight months.

The Ministry of Justice refused to confirm whether Connelly had been released, saying it did not comment on individual cases.

Public protection

Connelly first became eligible for parole in August 2012.

The Parole Board did not recommend her release then, but a three-strong panel said she should be released following a second review.

She admitted causing or allowing Peter's death soon after being charged, and spent more than a year on remand before being sentenced in May 2009.

The sentence was "imprisonment for public protection", which carries a minimum term after which prisoners can be considered for release.

When deciding whether to release a prisoner, the Parole Board must consider the nature of their crime, their history, their progress in prison, any statements made on their behalf and reports from relevant professionals.

Three people were jailed following the death of Peter Connelly in 2007
Connelly was jailed with her boyfriend Steven Barker and his brother Jason Owen, who were convicted at trial of the same offence she admitted.

Barker was given a 12-year sentence for his "major role" in Peter's death.

Owen was jailed indefinitely with a minimum three-year term, but later on appeal that was changed to a fixed six-year term. He was freed in August 2011 but has since been recalled to prison.

This week the BBC's Newsnight programme revealed Sharon Shoesmith, who was head of children's services at Haringey Council at the time of Peter's death, had agreed a "six-figure payout" for unfair dismissal after the case.

Source: BBC
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