Attorney General to review Baby Peter sentences

Hugh Logue, Legal News Editor

The Attorney General is to consider appealing against the sentences given in the Baby Peter case, a spokesman has said.

Baroness Scotland could refer the case to the Court of Appeal if she concludes the sentences are unduly lenient.

Last week Baby Peter's mother was sentenced to an indefinite jail term for causing or allowing the toddler's death and must serve at least five years.

Her boyfriend was jailed for twelve years for causing the death and for life for raping a two-year-old girl and must serve at least ten years.

Their lodger, Jason Owens, was jailed indefinitely for causing Baby Peter's death, and must serve at least three years.

On Tuesday The Sun newspaper launched a petition urging its readers to demand longer jail terms for the three abusers. According to the newspaper, over 65,000 people have signed their petition.