Tracey Connelly, the mother of Baby P, has been sent back to prison for breaching her license by engaging in a secret online relationship, as revealed in a recent hearing. Connelly, known for her cowardice, has chosen not to appear on camera as the Parole Board panel deliberates on her potential release or transfer to an open prison. This marks the first time the 44-year-old has publicly discussed the tragic death of Peter, who passed away over 18 years ago at just 17 months old.
The incident leading to Connelly’s return to prison occurred in August last year when she developed an undisclosed “intimate relationship with a man she met online.” She concealed the relationship by deleting messages and content from her phone, explaining that it made her feel good about herself. This event followed a previous recall to prison in 2015 due to similar behavior involving secret online relationships and inappropriate interactions with another resident.
It was further disclosed that Connelly had formed an intimate relationship with another prisoner following her initial recall to prison in 2015. Concerns were raised about her deceptive behavior towards supervisors and her inappropriate prioritization of the relationship. Experts speculate that Connelly’s reluctance to disclose such relationships stems from her fear of being identified as Baby P’s mother by probation services, as she worries this could jeopardize her connections.
In addition, Connelly’s prison offender manager reported that she has faced abuse and threats while in jail, although she has not engaged in any retaliatory actions. The Parole Board panel chair, Sally Allbeury, mentioned that Baby Peter’s family submitted poignant statements demanding specific conditions for Connelly’s potential release, emphasizing the lifelong impact of Peter’s death on their lives.
Connelly, who works in the care unit of the prison, was convicted at the Old Bailey in 2009 for her involvement in Peter’s tragic demise in 2007. Peter, known as Baby P, suffered numerous injuries, including a broken back, fractured ribs, and other severe trauma, leading to his untimely death. Despite being released twice, Connelly was recalled on both occasions, most recently in August 2024 for violating her release conditions.
The ongoing Parole Board hearing, now made public at Connelly’s request, involves experts assessing the risks associated with her potential release, particularly concerning access to children. Connelly herself has expressed reservations about a full unconditional release to the public. The tragic case of Baby Peter prompted significant changes in safeguarding practices for vulnerable children in the UK.
The missed opportunities to save Baby Peter underscored the tragic consequences of Connelly’s actions, leading to her imprisonment and ongoing scrutiny by the authorities.