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SMS message naming 'killers' of Baby P sent to thousands
Jack Lefley and Robert Mendick20.11.08
A TEXT message identifying those responsible for the death of Baby P has been sent to thousands of people across the country.
An unidentified sender names the toddler's mother and her boyfriend. The publication of their names is not allowed for legal reasons but the pair have also been identified on social networking websites.
The text messages urges people to pass it on to "name and shame" the couple, who it brands "the cruel vile killers of baby p".
It also names the street where the 17-month-old was subjected to the months of abuse that eventually killed him. The message urges people to sign a national newspaper's petition demanding "justice for that poor little boy".
It says: "The papers may be banned from naming and shaming the cruel vile killers of baby p but I aint.
"They r (mother's name) and (boyfriend's name) of (name of street and area). Jason Owen [was] living with them. I urge everyone to pass this on so everybody can name and shame them. Also pls sign the petition to have justice for that poor little boy. Rest in peace little man. Thanks."
The text message has raised fears that future legal proceedings could be put at risk.
In another development, protesters angry at the blunders by social workers, doctors and police which allowed Baby P to die, were set to take to the streets today.
They were due to gather outside Haringey Council's Civic Centre in Wood Green to demand answers.
The protest came as the Standard learned that social workers failed to carry out basic checks that could have saved the life of Baby P.
Neighbours knew the mother's boyfriend and their lodger had moved into the house but were never asked any questions.
If the authorities had been informed the men were there it is almost certain the toddler would not have been allowed to return home.
A police source told the Standard that if officers had known the truth it would have "changed things entirely".
But Haringey social workers failed to establish who the toddler was living with despite 60 visits from care workers. It meant the 17-month-old, who was on the child protection register, was repeatedly sent back to his tormentors.
He endured months of abuse and torture during which he suffered 50 injuries including a broken back and fractured ribs, before his death in August last year.
Social workers were kept waiting outside on unannounced visits and believed the mother's lies that no one else lived there. So far no social workers or council bosses have been sacked or resigned over the scandal.
Today residents near where the boy died demanded to know why the basic checks were not carried out.
A man living a few doors down from Baby P's home insisted no one had ever come around to ask about the boy.
The 41-year-old, who asked not to be named, said: "I can't believe we live just next door and social services didn't even ask us.
"I used to see the boyfriend all the time. I could have told them straight away. If I'd have known he wasn't supposed to be there I would have told someone."
Local resident Elton Thomas, 31, a father of two, said: "I used to see that baby come past in the street every day. People around here knew there were men in that house. If only social services had spoken to people he could have been saved."
Catherine Jones, 70, said: "I used to walk past the house every day and hear the baby crying. But I had no idea. All those visits and they couldn't work out they were in there? Why didn't they just ask us. It could have been stopped."
A Haringey Council spokesman said: "A government review is under way and we are co-operating fully. This will report back shortly."
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Reader views (18)
Here's a sample of the latest views published. You can click view all to read all views that readers have sent in.
Why are these people getting protection when baby P had none??
They should have the same protection offered to baby P.
People will just get angrier if this is not resovled soon
- N. Cookson, Lancaster
We watched how the mother elephant held on to her dead calf and refused to let go, staying by her still body till the next day. And a female wasp left her babies behind but not without ample food supply. Man is just another animal, but in the case of Baby P murderers, one of which is his own mother.
- Soleiman Bs, Westcott Park, UK
this tyoe of vigilantism may be illegal but it shouldn't be these sick people are given more rights than their victims are the punishment should fit the crime unfortunately this country's leagl system is more concerned with the rights of the perpetrators let the public deal with them for only then will true justice be administered
- Jo, glasgow
