Tracey Connelly, the infamous mother of Baby P, has been recalled to prison after breaching her licence conditions. Connelly, who was initially jailed in 2009 for causing or allowing the death of her 17-month-old son, Peter Connelly, also known as Baby P, was released from prison in July 2022 following a Parole Board decision that deemed her suitable for release. Despite public outcry and an appeal from the Justice Secretary at the time, her release was authorised under strict conditions.

However, just over two years later, Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood has now sanctioned Connelly’s return to prison after she breached the conditions set for her parole. Details surrounding the specific breach have not yet been disclosed, but Connelly had been subject to 20 strict conditions upon her release. These included living at a specified address, being supervised by probation officers, wearing an electronic tag, adhering to a curfew, and having her internet and phone use monitored.

Connelly’s case first shocked the nation in 2007, when her son, Peter, died after suffering over 50 injuries, including a broken back and fractured ribs, at their Tottenham home. Despite being on the at-risk register and receiving 60 visits from social workers, police, and health professionals in the months leading up to his death, Baby P was failed by the system.

The return of Connelly to prison highlights the ongoing challenges surrounding her release and the public safety concerns tied to her case. A spokesperson for the Prison and Probation Service said, “Offenders released on licence are subject to strict conditions, and we do not hesitate to recall them to prison if they break the rules.

Connelly’s former boyfriend, Steven Barker, and his brother, Jason Owen, were also convicted in connection with Peter’s death and are currently serving their sentences.

This latest development has sparked renewed debate over the parole system and whether individuals like Connelly should ever be released, given the severity of their crimes. Further details of the breach of licence conditions are expected to be revealed in due course.