Graham Badman expresses regret over 'dreadful tragedy' of Baby P
Graham Badman, chair of Haringey local safeguarding children board, has said that Baby P "deserved better" from the services that were supposed to protect him.
Badman, who was brought in to replace former LSCB chair and director of children's services Sharon Shoesmith following the Baby P trial last December, called the case a "dreadful tragedy".
Professionals 'must be more sceptical'
Following the sentencing of the child's mother, her lodger and Baby Peter's stepfather today, Badman said: "I believe the most important lesson arising from this case is that professionals charged with ensuring child safety must be deeply sceptical of any explanations, justifications or excuses they may hear in connection with the apparent maltreatment of children.
"If they have any doubt about the cause of physical injuries or what appears to be maltreatment, they should act swiftly and decisively.''
He said that while every member of staff in the agencies involved with the case were "appropriately qualified, well-motivated and wanted to do their best to safeguard [Baby Peter]'' his "horrifying death could and should have been prevented."