DIFFERENT agencies have been responding to questions raised over the death of Droitwich boy Alfie Steele and why it was not prevented.
Alfie died at the hands of his mother Carla Scott, who was convicted of manslaughter, and her partner Dirk Howell who was found guilty of his murder.
Both were convicted of child cruelty and Coventry Crown Court heard last week how he was subjected to years of abuse, including being beaten with a belt and slider, given cold baths and enduring his head being submerged in them.
He was also made to stand outside his Vashon Drive home and had food withdrawn from him.
The pair were known to police and social services, following previous incidents at the Droitwich address.
This has led to justifiable questions about why his death was allowed to happen.
Stephen Eccleston, Independent Chair of Worcestershire Safeguarding Children Partnership, said: “Members of the Worcestershire Safeguarding Children Partnership are shocked and saddened by the death of Alfie.
“On behalf of the Partnership I would like to take this opportunity to pass on our condolences to Alfie’s family.
“Following his death, we began a process of conducting a local Child Safeguarding Practice Review.
“With the completion of the trial, we will now be asking the independent reviewer to complete the review.
“The report is due to be published later this year and we will consider further comment at that time.”
After the sentencing – where Scott received 27 years (and must serve at least 17) and Howell was given life with a minimum of 32 years – investigating officer in the case Det Ch Insp Leighton Harding said: “I recognise the concerns and questions this raises.
“I can provide assurance that West Mercia Police is committed to reviewing its involvement with the family and engagement with other agencies through a Child Safeguarding Practice Review commissioned by Worcestershire Safeguarding Children Partnership.
“We are committed to learning lessons from Alfie’s tragic death and will fully engage with the review.
“An independent reviewer has already been appointed and will continue the review at pace now that the criminal case has ended.
“Once completed, the author will publish their report, therefore until that time I would not wish to speculate on its potential findings.”
West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion also issued a statement.
In it he said:“I welcome the independent review led by Worcestershire Safeguarding Children Partnership, rightly set up to establish whether all agencies involved could have done more to protect Alfie.
“I am committed to using my role as Commissioner to ensure any potential lessons that can be learnt from this tragic incident, are learnt.”
