Agencies slammed in baby death case

Care agencies who dealt with a mother convicted of "horrific" cruelty towards her two-month old son failed to observe warning signs about her parenting, a report found.

The serious case review into the death of two-month-old Rhys Biggs said a decision not to instigate child protection measures was "over-optimistic".

The baby died on May 8 2006 and was found to have injuries including broken ribs, a broken shoulder and a fractured arm. His mother Claire Biggs, 27, was convicted on Tuesday of "wilful assault" on the baby, while her live-in lover, Paul Husband, 33, was found guilty of "wilful neglect".

While the review found that the baby's death could not "reasonably have been anticipated", a number of shortcomings were highlighted.

Rhys' mother had left home in Wales aged 17 and had learning difficulties as well as drinking heavily and using drugs. Background checks on her boyfriend Husband were never carried out because the nature of their relationship was unclear, the report found.

During his short life, Rhys briefly came under the care of two London boroughs, first Newham and then Camden. The report said Camden's approach was "satisfactory" but went on: "The decision not to implement child protection arrangements was over-optimistic and was not adequately challenged."

A review was carried out into how various agencies dealt with Biggs while she was pregnant with Rhys and during his life. It was completed in 2006 but only made public on Wednesday by Newham council.

After the breakdown of Biggs' relationship with Rhys' biological father, she became involved with Husband. A number of agencies knew about the relationship, but failed to tell social workers. She stayed in women's refuges as a former victim of domestic violence, but her repeated absences from the shelters were also not reported to social workers.

The review said: "Some agencies were not sufficiently mindful of their statutory obligation to safeguard and promote the welfare of children, and that this applies equally to unborn children."

Kim Bromley-Derry, executive director for children and young people at Newham Council said: "We would like to reiterate that all the agencies involved with this case are very sorry about what happened to young Rhys. We extend our heartfelt sympathy to his family and friends. We are always deeply concerned if any of our services becomes involved in such tragic cases. Our overriding priority at all times is to act in the best interests of local children."