Steven Barker, the stepfather of Baby P, has been denied parole for the fifth time. Barker was sentenced to 12 years in 2009 for causing or allowing the death of 17-month-old Peter Connelly in Tottenham, London, in 2007. The child had a broken back and ribs, and his fingernails had been torn out when he died. Barker was also given a life sentence and ordered to serve a minimum of ten years following his conviction for the rape of a two-year-old in a separate trial.
The Parole Board ruled that Barker was not fit to be released or transferred to a lower-category prison. It noted that he had not participated in any courses to lower his risk of violent or sexual reoffending, and that he was “ambivalent” about receiving treatment. As a result, the board maintained that he was best-suited to serving his term in a closed prison.
Barker denied the rape he was convicted of, as well as causing any harm to Peter. During the time of his crimes, Barker was said to be taking drugs, preoccupied with sex, and “struggling with his relationships”. The panel reviewing his case found these factors to be significant.
This decision comes almost a month after Tracey Connelly, Peter’s mother and Barker’s girlfriend at the time of his death, was recalled to prison for violating her parole conditions. Connelly, along with Barker’s brother Jason Owen, were both convicted of their role in her son’s death. Barker will have the opportunity to seek parole again in around two years
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