Justice secretary asks Parole Board to reconsider decision that Baby P’s mother can be freed from jail

The mother of 17-month old Peter Connelly, known as Baby P, can be freed from jail, the Parole Board has decided.

Tracey Connelly, 40, was jailed in 2009 over the death of her son who died after suffering more than 50 injuries, including fractured ribs and a broken back.

The case sparked outrage as Baby P was on the at-risk register and received 60 visits from social workers, police and health professionals over eight months.

His mother was jailed for causing or allowing his death at their home in Tottenham in north London in 2007.

Read more: ‘We don’t want another Baby P on our hands’

Connelly has been refused parole three times in the past seven years – but the board has decided she can now be released.

A spokesperson for the Parole Board said: “We can confirm that a panel of the Parole Board has directed the release of Tracey Connolly following an oral hearing.

“Parole Board decisions are solely focused on what risk a prisoner could represent to the public if released and whether that risk is manageable in the community.

“Parole reviews are undertaken thoroughly and with extreme care. Protecting the public is our number one priority.”

Connelly’s boyfriend Steven Barker and his brother Jason Owen were also charged.

She admitted the offence and was handed a sentence of imprisonment for public protection (IPP) with a minimum term of five years.

This is her fourth review by the Parole Board since she was jailed.

The decision was meant to be made last year but had been delayed pending more reports and information.

Connelly was let out on licence in 2013, but was recalled to prison in 2015 for breaching her parole conditions.