As well as all the grief for Jo can we also have some for Ellie

What is wrong with this country when experts are disregarded

The criminal conviction for the shake injury was overturned on some kind of technicality. That didn't stop police, social workers and psychologists and families key members all deciding these parents weren't able to provide safe and loving care for Ellie. The judge went against all the evidence and caused a letter to be sent to all agencies saying the original evidence had to be removed! She appointed private social workers who, it seems, we're not given acc as to the original assessments.
I could rant on, but I will on,y add that I cannot imagine the pain and suffering that liike girl experienced. As for the impact on her grandparents, I'm lost for words.
It seems her then four year old sister was questioned and told police the same peppy pig story used by her parents in their attempt to deceive authorities again. Beyond hideous for the parents to coach their child like this, especially as it seems she witnessed the murder

Is there anything worse than knowing a child suffered at the hands of an adult

That judge must be in bits today. If she isn't -well she must be the one with the mental health problem! The poor Grandad. The poor little girl

Such an awful story, it has worried me a lot. All the professionals had their hands tied, what is that all about?

I worked as teacher in charge of child protection in a Birmingham school. A very frustrating job when we knew a child was suffering maltreatment and we had to go through the rigmarole not putting the child first. Parenting classes was a favourite time waster.

Cleary this wicked man was not able to love the little girl. The parents even went on morning TV to tell the story of how badly handled their case had been when she was taken away. Makes me feel so sick.

Perhas enough to actually apologise? Although that, of course, won't give the little girl the rest of her life back.

"Judges are human too and can make mistakes and I expect she is suffering at this news too."

I bloody hope she is.

Agree with that post.

How sad and heartbreaking. The UK signed up to the UN convention on Children's Rights and the judge should have been aware of this. this says
Right to be heard (article 12): every child has the right to express their views, feelings and wishes in all matters affecting them, and to have their views considered and taken seriously. This principle recognises children as actors in their own lives and applies at all times, throughout a child’s life. This means that when adults make decisions about a child’s life, the child should be asked what they think and feel and adult’s decision needs to take these into account. The Convention recognises that the level of a child’s participation in decisions must be appropriate to the child’s age and maturity.
It sounds as if Ellie knew quite well what she wanted. There should be some sort of action taken against this judge.

OMG I've just listened to Jeremy Vine on Radio2 and I'm in bits. They had the grandfather of little Ellie telling his story and I think that judge should be disbarred. Apparently her father was a convicted criminal and had been arrested for GBH and had beaten up previous girl friends etc., etc. It's such a heartbreaking tragedy. Why did the judge dismiss all the evidence against Ellie's father? I just don't understand it. If you are in any doubt as to the conviction - listen to this on Iplayer. Sorry, I'm so emotional thinking of what that innocent child went through.

The little mites school were not allowed to voice concerns because of the judges ruling

I understand that the court ordered SSD to remove their incriminating papers from the file; so even an accurate record went.

It is a very serious miscarriage of justice and I hope that there will be a full enquiry. I have huge sympathy for the grandparents whose views were so badly overridden.

I find all of these cases quite horrific. It is a real dilemma for the family courts and social workers. If you take the child away where do you place them? If you leave the child you are condemned for getting it wrong. If you take the child away from parents about whom an original mistake about abuse was proved false you are accused of interfering. Personally I would always err on the side of caution but the decision doesn't rest with me. Perhaps in all these cases when a child is brought to the attention of hospitals, doctors, teachers etc for even the most minor bruising after a court case it should be automatically followed up and the parents put on watch. You could also have the courts insist that the grandparents, if involved and caring, should have automatic legal rights to the child even to removing the child to a safe place if they think the child is still being abused.
But you are right Jinglbellsfrocks, we should pause and give due thought to the death of such a lovely child.

Yes, I read about this case and it's absolutely tragic. Judges are human too and can make mistakes and I expect she is suffering at this news too.

Rosesarered, please find the good manners not to speak for me ,

POGS, I don't know but it is possible, this doesn't excuse their brutality but red rage is a mental disorder as is a need to control , a person who is controlled can lose all sense of self, this is a fact, I have met women so controlled they are unable to make a normal day decision . Children have to be protected from such homes

a heart breaking case.The parents were plausible and manipulative people, the father was angry and controlling it seems.

no POGS I doubt it was a serious question, more an attempt at heavy handed sarcasm.

Anniebach

Was your post a serious question?

Do you believe they both 'may' have mental health issues?

Listening to the grandfather on the radio this morning broke my heart. This is not the first case where it appears that some members of the judiciary appear to exist in a bubble, lacking all necessary compassion, wisdom and understanding. I hope, now that the grandfather's words to the effect that she would 'have blood on her hands' have come to pass, that she will feel some remorse, but I doubt it.

The judge refused to listen to the experts

I can't cope with the details of 'Ellie's' story either. I always find it hard but I have a much loved DGD with the same name and just can't imagine the differences in their two little lives.

Perhaps the parents had mental health problems !

It is truly heart breaking.

I thought the sentences were too lenient, especially the wicked mother. They were both evil, conniving monsters and as is always the case one wonders what the truth would be about the things they got up to that we will never know about.

I feel so upset for the grandparents who loved her so much.

This is absolutely heartbreaking. I cannot understand why a judge and judiciary can opt out of a serious case review. Where is the transparency? Why was the child's voice and wishes apparently not taken into consideration, as required under Children Act? I do not know what part private SWs played, but I am concerned that they do not have to comply with the inspection and legislation that applies to LA social workers. Each time a child dies the cry goes up that it must not happen again - but sadly it does.

The judge has retired , she ordered social services, police etc to keep out of the family's life,