Hackney criticised in baby death case

An Old Bailey judge criticised Hackney social services department
last week for failing to protect a 19-month-old boy, who died after
being punched so hard in the face he suffered fatal brain
damage.

Tyrell Rowe was killed by one of his parents a week after he was
taken off the at-risk register last October.

Judge Anthony Morris said: “I am concerned about the apparent lack
of protection given to Tyrell by the social services
department.”

The toddler’s parents Sandra Rowe and John White had been suspected
of beating another child in their care 18 months before and both
children were taken into care.

Tyrell was returned to them five months before he died.

White was jailed for three years for child cruelty, and Rowe must
serve a two-year supervision order.

Hackney Council said a range of professionals had been involved in
Tyrell’s case and the courts had been involved in the decision to
return him to his parents’ care.