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Baby P killer wins appeal and could be free in two years
Paul Cheston, Courts Correspondent27.10.09
One of the men convicted for his part in the killing of Baby P today won an appeal against his sentence and could be free in two years.
Three judges allowed Jason Owen's appeal against his indeterminate sentence on the basis that there was no evidence he would pose a risk to the public in future. The 37-year-old was a lodger in the house where Peter Connelly was subject to months of abuse by his mother and her boyfriend.
He was originally sentenced to an indeterminate term for “causing or allowing” the toddler's death.
But today's ruling means he no longer has to convince a parole board and could be free far sooner than he thought. Owen is the brother of Steven Barker, Tracey Connelly's boyfriend, who played the biggest part in the violence against the 17-month-old boy.
Lord Justice Hughes, quashing the indeterminate sentence, said of Owen: “His present offence is deeply unpleasant because a completely innocent child who he could have protected was not protected by him against harm by others.
“He displays a willingness to deceive ... which is unattractive, but to translate that into a significant risk that he will himself in the future commit offences involving death or serious personal injury to the public is ... simply a step too far.”
Lord Justice Hughes said the important issue was “whether there was a demonstrated risk of future death or serious injury at his hands” — that is what had to be shown to justify the imposition of an indeterminate sentence, which was “akin to a life sentence”.
It emerged yesterday that Peter's mother, who was jailed indefinitely with a minimum term of five years, had dropped an appeal bid against her sentence which was expected to be heard today along with Owen's case.
Peter was found dead in a blood-spattered cot in Haringey in August 2007.
He had more than 50 injuries, including fractured ribs and a broken back, despite being on the at-risk register and receiving 60 visits from social workers, doctors and police over eight months.
A sentence of 12 years was handed out to Barker, who was told he had played a major role in Peter's death. He was also jailed for life with a minimum term of 10 years after being convicted of raping a two-year-old girl.
His appeal against the rape conviction is due to be heard by the Court of Appeal on 24 November.
Barker and Owen were convicted by a jury of causing or allowing the death of a child at a trial last November, while the mother earlier pleaded guilty to the charge. The 289 days Owen spent in custody on remand will count towards his sentence.
Reader views (26)
I am glad that I am not a UK citizen. The justice system in the UK is so convoluted that a person who is having relations with a minor, watched repeated abuses of a minor and deceived officials is deemed fit to walk the streets again...?
- John Waring, Washington, DC
Domestic Child Abuse and All Crimes against children, in this country, are being very badly treated BY LAW!
Jack Straw must get involved and make the effort to put this situation right.
- Darnthesafetynet, London W11 1NR
The fact is that most judges are currently drawn from the ranks of barristers, all of whom started out as wet-behind-the-ears white wig (new) advocates. It is now patently clear that these people have progressed well beyond their perceived "jokey" facade of being "out of touch". It is essential that judges are elected, just as they are elsewhere, e.g. the US.
- Pandora, london
It is shocking that innocent's baby's life is worth so little. SHAME this court! Shame on you for encouraging beasts like this. SHOCKED TAXPAYER!
- Eddy, Reading
I feel sick. let's hope the prison inmates provide the justice which these moronic judges do not seem to understand.
- Ray Jarvis, marlborough USa
These judges have gone far beyond being leftie-leaning out of touch jokes who were once no more than wet-behind-the-ears white wig (new) barristers. They are now a danger to the very fabric of society itself. It is high time judges were elected to the post, as in the US.
- Pandora, london
The Baby P killer free in two years - and (perhaps) no jail for sentences of less than 12 months. Basically everything gets a slap on the wrist at most. Scary.
- Adam L, North London
to paraphrase mr bumble "the law sir is an ass"
how can this sick and twisted individual be allowed to roam our streets again!
- Brett Y,, camberwell
Maybe the sacked social workers have grounds for appeal as they are being unfairly treated in comparison with the culprits?
Get rid of old , cossetted , and out of date judges who cannot read society.
No murderer should be given anonymity.
I once employed a school psychologist who told me of the physical and sexual abuse her father and his colleagues meted out.Her father was a judge and amongst the others a brain surgeon and other holders of high office.Maybe for some of them its normal and acceptable.
- Terry, Hennebont France
If that guy is not vermin then I give up.
Ok the courts have to uphold the law and be fair.
But what world do Judges live in? NO evidence that this moron could be a future threat? You are having a laugh.
- Macdangler, Wimbledon SW19
And to think our masters used to hang people for poaching rabbits.....
- John Problem, Hackney UK
Drop him down a big hole when he comes out of prison, one that he cannot climb out of. That defence less child did not deserve to be ill treated and killed. It is time we got really tough on murderers. Two years was not enough!
- H. O'Dell, Herts, Hertfordshire
Astonishing that a judge can be so far removed from public opinion.
- St, London
So much for Britain being a representative democracy... The vast majority of Britons desire a serious penalty for murder.
- Andrea, Madiwson, Wisconsin, USA
Stupid judges are responsible for much of Britain's dire condition.
- Professor David Marsland, Reading, UK
Liberal Elitism Triumphs again
- Andrew, Ely UK
If his crime is judged to be not serious enough for a long sentence there should be mo reason for him to be given a new identity on release.
Let him take his place back in society, he might soon wish he was back in prison.
- George, Cambridge UK
Judges live in a world of their own divorced from society. It is time this closed shop was broken up so that real people can make common sense judgments.
- Mick, London, England
Nu Labour judges reward savages.
News ?
- British Not Racist, Bracknell England
“He displays a willingness to deceive ... which is unattractive, but to translate that into a significant risk that he will himself in the future commit offences involving death or serious personal injury to the public is ... simply a step too far.”
That is the view of a judge who is in serious denial and who fails to understand what makes scumbags like this tick !!!
To think that this judge is apparently recognised as someone who is competent in the 21st century to be a High Court judge is an embarrassment to the supposed 'legal impartiality of the English system of law'. Perhaps his Lordship would like to stake his job and significant 'public service pension' on the odds of this scumbag re-offending ?
I think he would be a trifle surprised at the odds.
- Nick Holland, glasgow
oh dear, oh dear...when will these delued do-gooder Judiciary understand that some people are evil - pure and simple. Their misguided rose tinted spectacles views of criminals, as slightly unfortunate individuals, in the wrong place at the wrong time - are constantly proved wrong time afgter time after time. This man is a savage twisted animal, who should be locked away for 20 years - yet will be free to roam the streets again in months.
- Gary, amesham
I dont believe it ! First an indefinite sentence now six years which he will no doubt serve less than half then I bet he will get a new identity home etc all paid for YES YOU GUESSED IT BY US what a bloody country and stupid judges !
- Linda Cliff, London
So basically we can expect him to be released towards the end of next year then?
- Bob, Cheam
Criminals winning again. Is this news?
- Jane, London
Is this Justice for Baby P?
- Dannyp, Egham
The lot of them should have got 40 years for what they did so they're too old to reproduce by time they come out of prison!
- Sue, Orpington, Kent
