Baby P's mother admits manipulation in parole bid

Tracey Connelly, the mother of Peter Connelly, known publicly as Baby P, has admitted to being manipulative and opportunistic during her ongoing parole hearing. Connelly, now in her 40s, is seeking release after her parole bid was paused for nearly a year. She was jailed at the Old Bailey in 2009 for causing or allowing the death of her 17-month-old son. Peter suffered more than 50 injuries before his death on August 3, 2007, at their home in Tottenham, north London.

Admissions at Parole Hearing

Connelly told the parole hearing panel that while she disliked the terms, she had to accept descriptions of her as manipulative and opportunistic, stating, "I have lied, I have deceived, so I have to accept that is fair." She denied being particularly skilful at deceit, noting that her actions led to her recall to prison for breaching licence conditions. Connelly was previously released on licence in July 2022, but was recalled in August 2024. She also stated she "hated every minute" of hearing statements from Peter's family about their lifelong pain and suffering.

Adjournment for Further Assessments

The parole hearing, which had been adjourned since last October, was further postponed after the panel determined that additional psychological and forensic assessments were necessary. These assessments will include an examination of a mobile phone Connelly used in the community prior to her recall. Public parole hearings were approved for Connelly due to substantial public interest in the case. Previous reviews highlighted missed opportunities by officials to save Peter's life.

Previous Releases and Recalls

Connelly was originally jailed for a sentence of imprisonment for public protection, with a minimum term of five years. She had previously been released in July 2022, following a Parole Board decision that she was at low risk of reoffending. This decision was appealed by the then-justice secretary, Dominic Raab, but the appeal was rejected. She had also been released on licence in 2013 but was recalled to prison in 2015 for breaching her parole conditions. Three earlier bids for her release in 2015, 2017, and 2019 were refused.