Parole hearing resumes for Baby P mother Tracey Connelly on Tuesday

The Parole Board will hold a public hearing on Tuesday for Tracey Connelly, the mother of the child known as Baby P, after a pause of almost a year. As reported by the Standard, the session will be streamed live from the prison, allowing the public to watch the panel’s assessment of her risk to the community.

Case background

Connelly was convicted at the Old Bailey in 2009 for causing or allowing the death of her 17‑month‑old son Peter in Tottenham on 3 August 2007. The boy suffered more than 50 injuries despite being on the at‑risk register and receiving 60 visits from social workers, police and health professionals over eight months. Connelly admitted the offence and received a sentence of imprisonment for public protection with a minimum term of five years.

She was first released on licence in 2013 but was recalled in 2015 for breaching conditions. Subsequent applications for release in 2015, 2017 and 2019 were rejected. After a brief licence period in 2022, she left prison in July 2022 when the Parole Board judged her a low risk of reoffending. The board’s decision was challenged by the then‑justice secretary, but a judge dismissed the appeal.

Parole hearing details

Two public parole hearings took place in October last year, but the case was adjourned. The Standard notes that the August 2024 recall followed a breach in which Connelly began an online relationship with a man she did not disclose to supervising officials. The panel will now review whether she can be transferred to open‑prison conditions or must remain in closed custody.

A psychologist speaking at the earlier hearing said there was no evidence Connelly was being deceitful, but also warned the panel to consider the possibility of manipulation. The panel’s recommendation will determine whether she stays in a closed prison or moves to an open setting, a decision that will affect any future contact with children.

If the panel recommends continued closed custody, Connelly will remain in prison until a later review. Should they endorse transfer to an open prison, she will be subject to strict supervision and may be released on licence after further assessment.