Former Children's Services boss who oversaw Baby Peter case awarded six-figure payout

The former head of Haringey Council’s children’s services has agreed to a six-figure payout for her unfair dismissal in the 'Baby Peter' scandal.

Sharon Shoesmith won a court ruling in 2011 that her sacking was unfair after a damning report on the children’s services role in the death of Baby Peter.

The Court of Appeal also claimed that her treatment by the former Children’s Secretary Ed Balls was ‘intrinsically unfair and unlawful’.

At a House of Commons committee meeting in 2010 Ms Shoesmith asked why the police and health service, which were also monitoring Baby Peter, had not been held accountable.

The agreed figure, though not disclosed, could cost the council and government up-to £600,000.

Ms Shoesmith is thought to have dropped a further suit asking to have her employment at Haringey Council confirmed.

Baby Peter Connelly was only 17 months old when he died after abuse at the hands of his mother and two others in 2007.

The child had more than 50 injuries, despite being on the council’s at-risk register and receiving 60 visits to check on his welfare over an eight month period.

Baby Peter’s mother; Tracey Connelly, her boyfriend Steven Barker and his Brother Jason Owen were jailed for their part in causing the death in 2009.

Tracey Connelly was released on parole earlier this month after serving six years on an indeterminate sentence.