Sadism

It appears from the NOTW that the main witness was a 15 year old girl who appears to have been part of Baby P's household. She told the court that his stepfather cut the ends of his fingers off with a stanley knife and pulled his nails off with pliers; “he made Baby P kneel in front of him, with blood oozing from the ends of his fingers, and hold out his hands for more punishment. Just days before Baby P died—but after his spine was snapped—the girl went for a walk with him and his stepfather in Chingford Woods. The toddler couldn’t stand and kept falling down.

Of all that we hear of children who are abused, I think that image of a little boy trying to walk and not being able to is what has hit me hardest. Sharon Shoesmith was tactlessly accurate, it was this boy's family who murdered him, but we are right to think we can't bear such event. We shouldn't and we should all think about who these people are and what should change, it probalby isn't the the social workers, who just need to learn how to ensure it doesn't happen again.

Timeline

Baby P RIP

Baby P's father, who cannot be named for legal reasons, said in a statement: 'Those who systematically tortured P and killed him kept it a secret, not just from me but from all the people who visited the house up until P's death.

'Even after he died, they lied to cover up their abuse.'

In a short statement he continued: 'The verdicts will help to bring closure for what has been a very traumatic time for me, P's family and indeed all those who knew and were close to him.

'P was a bouncing 17-month-old boy. I loved him deeply. I remember how he used to run up to me... or when he was in his pram he would bounce up and down until I took him out, giving me hugs and kisses.'

'I would like to thank the police for their efforts in obtaining the evidence to bring a conclusion to this case.

'I would also like to thank the social workers who have been involved since P's death. They have acted with professionalism and courtesy.

'Finally, I wish to thank my family and friends who have given me comfort and support during this traumatic time.

'At this stage, I intend to make no further comment. I would ask you to respect my privacy and that of my family.

'Please allow us to get on with our lives and rebuild our futures.'

Thank God