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BABY P’s mother was sent back to prison after starting a secret relationship with a man she met online, as revealed during a parole hearing.
Tracey Connelly, 42, was sentenced to a minimum of five years in 2009 for causing or allowing the death of her 17-month-old son.
Tracey Connelly was incarcerated again in August of last year
The mother was complicit in the torture of her son, PeterCredit: PA
She was released in 2013 but was recalled just two years later after selling explicit images of herself online.
Despite significant controversy, authorities decided to release Connelly again in 2022, subjecting her to 20 license conditions.
However, in August of last year, she found herself back in custody for violating those license terms, though the specifics of the breach were not disclosed at that time.
During a public parole hearing, it was revealed that Connelly was recalled to prison after beginning a relationship with an online acquaintance without informing her supervising officials.
Her prison offender manager (POM) stated that Connelly deleted information from her phone to prevent officials from discovering her relationship.
When questioned about her secrecy, the POM explained that Connelly was concerned about “being judged.”
The official added: “We understand that what she gained from… that relationship is a sense of self-worth.
“If she disclosed it, either probation would prohibit the relationship or we would need to inform him, leading to a fear that ‘once he knows who I am, he won’t want me.’”
The court heard that the situation “closely mirrored” her first recall, during which she also formed intimate relationships while in custody.
Panel chairwoman Sally Allbeury stated: “The 2013 panel identified a significant risk concerning Ms. Connelly developing an intimate relationship, where she prioritizes a partner's needs over the needs of children.”
“Subsequent panels have expressed similar concerns.”
The panel members reviewing Connelly’s case will decide whether to release her from prison or recommend her transfer to open prison conditions.
Baby P’s tragic death in 2007 shocked the nation, revealing 60 missed opportunities to save him.
Little Peter endured over 50 injuries during an eight-month period of abuse in Haringey, North London.
Connelly’s partner, Steven Barker, and his brother Jason Owen were also imprisoned for their roles in his death.
In 2022, the mother was released from HMP Low Newton discreetly, despite a last-minute appeal from the then-Deputy Prime Minister.
The hearing is ongoing.
Connelly had been subject to strict licensing regulationsCredit: PA
What led to Tracey Connelly's return to prison?
Tracey Connelly was recalled to prison after she began a secret relationship with a man she met online without informing her supervising officials.
What was the nature of Tracey Connelly's original crime?
Tracey Connelly was jailed for causing or allowing the death of her 17-month-old son, Peter, in 2009.
How many times has Tracey Connelly been released from prison?
Tracey Connelly was released from prison in 2013, recalled in 2015, and then released again in 2022 before her recent return to custody in 2023.
