Daniel Pelka murder: case facts

Daniel was murdered by his mother and stepfather in March 2012. For a period of at least six months prior to this, he had been starved, assaulted, neglected and abused. His older sibling was expected to explain away his injuries as accidental. His mother and stepfather acted together to inflict pain and suffering on him and were convicted of murder in August 2013, both sentenced to 30 years' imprisonment.

Daniel's mother had relationships with 3 different partners whilst living in the UK. All of these relationships involved high consumption of alcohol and domestic abuse. The Police were called to the address on many occasions and in total there were 27 reported incidents of domestic abuse.

Daniel's arm was broken at the beginning of 2011 and abuse was suspected but the medical evidence was inconclusive. A social worker carried out an assessment but no continuing need for intervention was identified.

In September 2011, Daniel commenced school. He spoke very little English and was generally seen as isolated though he was well behaved and joined in activities. As his time in school progressed, he began to present as always being hungry and took food at every opportunity, sometimes scavenging in bins. His mother was spoken to but told staff that he had health problems. As Daniel grew thinner his teachers became increasingly worried and along with the school nurse, help was sought from the GP and the community paediatrician.

Daniel also came to school with bruises and unexplained marks on him. Whilst these injuries were seen by different school staff members, these were not recorded nor were they linked to Daniel’s concerning behaviours regarding food. No onward referrals were made in respect of these injuries. At times, Daniel’s school attendance was poor and an education welfare officer was involved.

Daniel was seen in February 2012 by a community paediatrician, but his behaviours regarding food and low weight were linked to a likely medical condition. The potential for emotional abuse or neglect as possible causes was not considered when the circumstances required it. The paediatrician was unaware of the physical injuries that the school had witnessed.

Three weeks after the paediatric assessment Daniel died following a head injury. He was thin and gaunt. Overall, there had been a rapid deterioration in his circumstances and physical state during the last 6 months of his life.