Tracey Connelly has broken her silence, admitting she let her violent boyfriend torture her 17-month-old son because she wanted a “Prince Charming.” In her first public comments since being jailed for Baby P’s death in 2009, Connelly confessed, “I was a bad mother” who “failed to protect” toddler Peter.
Horrific Abuse Ignored for Love
Peter suffered more than 50 injuries, including fractured ribs and a broken back, before dying in August 2007. Despite 60 visits from social workers, police, and health pros over eight months, no one stopped the abuse that shocked the nation.
Connelly admitted to the parole board that she “deep down” knew her partner Steven Barker was hurting Peter. Yet, desperate to keep her relationship, she “ignored my gut” and allowed Barker to move into their Tottenham home.
“I’m ashamed to admit I was in my own head, my own bubble, where I wanted my Prince Charming and unfortunately paid for that.” – Tracey Connelly
She confessed there were “101 things I could have done” to protect Peter but chose not to, and that her selfishness “allowed my son to die.”
Still a Threat to Kids – Can She Be Trusted?
Connelly, now 44, admitted she remains a “risk to any children in my care” and doubted she would ever be allowed to look after kids again. “Am I a risk to children running down the street? Not at all,” she claimed.
Her ongoing deceptive behaviour paints a troubling picture. Twice recalled to prison for secret romances, she’s lied about her relationships, deleted evidence from phones, and even fabricated stories to online lovers. The parole board faces a stark question: can someone with such a history of manipulation and endangering children be safely freed?
Background: The Baby P Tragedy That Shook Britain
- Peter’s death exposed catastrophic failings by child protection services despite 60 official visits.
- Connelly was jailed indefinitely in 2009 for causing or allowing his death.
- Boyfriend Steven Barker received 12 years; his brother Jason Owen got 6 years.
- The case sparked nationwide outrage and child welfare reforms.
- Connelly has now made seven bids for parole, twice recalled for licence breaches.
At the parole hearing, Connelly revealed how she met a man on a dating app using a fake backstory, sending intimate photos and spending a weekend together—but couldn’t tell him the truth about her past. Her chilling admission: “If I had to tell him who I was, anyone in their right mind would run a mile.”
Justice Minister Opposes Release Despite Prison Support
Though her prisoner offender manager recommends release, the applications face stiff opposition from Justice Minister David Lammy — reflecting public outrage and the severity of her crimes.
Peter’s family, still grappling with their loss nearly 18 years on, voiced strong concerns about any potential release, demanding tight conditions if Connelly walks free.
Decision Due Next Month
The parole board, having reviewed a 763-page dossier on Connelly’s case, is set to decide next month whether she can be freed without endangering the public.
One thing’s clear: Connelly’s haunting confession—that she sacrificed Baby P for her “Prince Charming”—is a grim reminder of a monstrous failure that cost an innocent child his life.
