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.