Toddler could have been saved if evasive action had been taken, says coroner

ABUSE victim Joshua Jones could have been saved if doctors, social workers and the police had taken evasive action after discovering he had non accidental injuries, an inquest has heard.

Cheshire Coroner Nicholas Rheinberg slammed Warrington Hospital, Cheshire Police public protection team and Halton Council social services for failing to protect the two-year-old.

The toddler had a double fractured arm and bruises all over his body, yet he was sent home after six days in hospital.

The Runcorn toddler died five days later on November 6, 2007, from a swollen brain, after being assaulted by his mother’s boyfriend at her home in Tilbury Close, Murdishaw.

Wayne Davenport, aged 26, of Hale Road, Widnes, was jailed for six years after being convicted of manslaughter.

His mother, Nichola Bowman, aged 24, was convicted of causing or allowing his death and given a suspended sentence.

Mr Rheinberg recorded a verdict of unlawful killing yesterday after a five day inquest at Warrington Town Hall.

He said: “Joshua’s death would have been avoided if the three agencies concerned with his safety had taken steps which did not involve returning him to an unsafe environment.

“Agencies did not sufficiciently communicate with each other or with members of their own organisation.

“Critical information contained in medical notes was neither checked, analysed or disseminated.”

Photographs of Joshua’s injuries were not seen by any of the professionals discussing his case.

Mr Rheinberg, criticised the police and social workers for failing to log or communicate information crucial to the investigation.

He added:”Key individuals who were known to be close to Joshua or his mother and in particular, her partner, were not interviewed.

“Clues that indicated that the injuries were highly suspicious of being non accidental were overlooked.”

Mr Rheinberg is writing to Halton Council social services to ensure that any photographs of children’s injuries must always be supplied to strategy meetings.

He is pressing Warrington Hospital to appoint a deputy leader for safeguarding and ensure legal training is provided for consultants.

Audrey Williamson, chairman of Halton Safeguarding Board, said afterwards: “Every single comment the coroner has made will be looked at.

“We have improved our systems, practices and staff training. If there are more lessons to learn, we will take this on board.”

Joshua’s grandmother, Michelle Littlemore, said: “If the agencies had done their job and acted accordingly, Joshua would still be here today.

“No officer has apologised to our family for the way every agency let him down.

“My daughter has served her time. This has broken her. She will never be the same again.”