Steven Barker: 'Stepfather' jailed for abusing Baby P denied parole

The "stepfather" of Baby P, who was jailed for a campaign of abuse against the little boy, has been refused parole.

Steven Barker was handed a life sentence with a minimum of 10 years for raping a two-year-old girl and given a 12-year term to run concurrently for his "major role" in the death of baby Peter Connelly.

Peter, first known as Baby P in a case that shocked the nation, died in north London in August 2007 with more than 50 injuries.

He had suffered a catalogue of injuries despite being on the at-risk register and receiving 60 visits from social workers, police and health professionals over the final eight months of his life.

The 17-month-old's death came at the hands of his mother, Tracey Connelly, her lover Barker and their lodger, Jason Owen.

A series of reviews identified missed opportunities when officials could have saved the toddler's life if they had acted properly on the warning signs.

A spokesman for the Parole Board said: "We can confirm that a panel of the Parole Board has not directed the release of Steven Barker at a paper hearing.

"Under current legislation Mr Barker will be eligible for a further review within two years. The date of the next review will be set by the Ministry of Justice.

"The Parole Board is unable to comment on the specifics of individual cases."