Council awaits review report after father`s manslaughter conviction

Bedfordshire social services is awaiting the results of an
independent review into the death of a six-year-old boy strangled
by his father, who was suffering from schizophrenia.

Jason Hill’s head teacher had warned social workers that
the boy’s father was displaying irrational behaviour two
weeks before he was killed.

After making initial inquiries the social workers decided Jason
was not at risk.

Lyn Burns, Bedfordshire’s director of social services,
said it had already ordered an independent review and the findings
will be published after being reported to the area child protection
committee later this month.

Mr Justice Wright had ordered a review of the case last week as
a “matter of urgency to consider what lessons could be learnt and
what changes can be introduced” following the conviction of
Jason’s father.

He did not wish to apportion blame and understood the pressure
faced by social workers.

Jason’s father, Peter Hill, of Shortstown, Bedfordshire,
was detained indefinitely under Section 37 of the Mental Health Act
after admitting manslaughter on the grounds of diminished
responsibility.

Luton crown court heard that he had a controlling, obsessive
personality and used his children to influence and control his
wife, Suzanne. There was a history of domestic abuse.