Sandy

Faces of kids failed by authorities from Bronson Battersby to Poppi Worthington as boy, 2, left alone to die by dead dad

A TRAGIC two-year-old boy who starved to death next to his dad’s body is the latest in a long line of children failed by the authorities.

Bronson Battersby was found beside Kenneth[1], 60, after the dad suffered a fatal heart attack shortly after Boxing Day.

Bronson Battersby is the latest child to be failed by the authorities

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Bronson Battersby is the latest child to be failed by the authoritiesCredit: Facebook

Tragically, the toddler was under the care of children’s services but the pair were only found two weeks after they were last seen.

An urgent review has been launched by Lincolnshire County Council following the horror.

Here are the faces of just some of the children failed by the authorities when they most needed them.

Bronson Battersby

The two-year-old was found found curled up at the legs of his father[2] by social services a fortnight after he and his dad were last seen.

Bronson had been classified as vulnerable by social services, which meant he received weekly visits.

Bronson was left in the dark with no food or water

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Bronson was left in the dark with no food or waterCredit: Facebook

On January 2, a social worker visited his home in Skegness, Lincolnshire, but nobody answered the door so they alerted the police.

They tried again two days later but contacted officers for a second time after getting no answer.

Eventually – after five more days – the social worker got a key from Kenneth’s landlord and made the horrific discovery.

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Bronson’s mum Sarah Piesse said her son would still be alive “if social services had done their job”.

She added: “We have to be able to rely on social workers to keep our children safe.”

The pair were last seen alive on Boxing Day before ­Kenneth died of a heart attack soon after.

This means Bronson was left in the dark with no food or water and unable to get help.

Heather Sandy, executive director for children’s services, said: “This was a tragic incident, and we are supporting the family at this difficult time.

“We are carrying out a review of the case alongside partner agencies to better understand the circumstances, and we await the results of the coroner’s investigations as well.

“Our thoughts are with the family and friends of those involved.”

Baby P

Arguably one of the notorious child abuse deaths, Peter Connelly[3] died in London in 2007 aged just 17 months old after suffering more than 50 injuries.

During an eight-month campaign of cruelty, he was seen 60 times by healthcare professionals and social workers.

Baby P died after being seen 60 times by healthcare workers

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Baby P died after being seen 60 times by healthcare workers

His killing sparked outrage after it was revealed he lived in Haringey, North London, under the same child protection agencies as Victoria Climbie.

Peter’s nightmare began when mum Tracey Connelly invited her new boyfriend Steven Barker to move in during November 2006.

Just months later, a GP noticed bruises on his face and chest and the youngster was placed in the care of a family friend.

The brief break from his abusers ended in January 2007 when he returned home and was later admitted to hospital on two occasions.

Connelly was arrested after medics found Peter was suffering from injuries including two black eyes and swelling on the side of the head.

Despite her arrest, Peter’s ordeal was worsened when Barker’s brother, Jason Owen, moved into the home with a 15-year-old girl.

Social workers visited the house but his evil attackers smeared his face with chocolate to hide his bruises.

On August 3, 2007, Baby P was found dead in his bloodstained cot – just one day after police told Connelly she would not be prosecuted.

A post mortem later revealed he had swallowed a tooth after being punched, was missing fingernails and was suffering from a broken back.

Owen and Barker were convicted causing or allowing the death of a child, which Connelly had earlier pleaded guilty to.

Poppi Worthington

The 13-month-old died after being found with serious injuries at her home Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria.

Poppi’s dad Paul Worthington has avoided prosecution for his daughter’s death three times – despite a coroner ruling he sexually assaulted her.

A sickening catalogue of abuse suffered by Poppi in her short life included horrific internal injuries, a broken leg, “significant” bleeding “caused by penetration and bruises to her throat.

In January 2018, a coroner ruled that she was sexually assaulted before suffocating on a double bed.

The tot’s DNA was found on her dad’s genitals, but a flawed police investigation failed to place him under arrest for eight months.

Poppi Worthington died aged just 13 months

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Poppi Worthington died aged just 13 months

Poppi’s heartbroken mum wept as she revealed she heard her daughter scream out on the night of her death.

Moments later, Worthington ran down the stairs with the lifeless tot in his arms after she suffered “significant” bleeding.

But key clues were chucked in the bin as a police investigation got underway – including the blood-soaked nappy Poppi was wearing.

Even the bed where the youngster spent her final minutes was not preserved by the cops, who had failed to find her pyjama bottoms and blanket.

The series of failures by Cumbria Police mean no one has ever been prosecuted over Poppi’s sexual abuse or death.

High Court family judges ruled in both 2014 and 2016 that Poppi was abused by her dad shortly before her death.

But the CPS said in 2018 that Worthington would not face any legal action and there would be no fourth review of the case.

During the inquest verdict, the court was told that only Poppi’s dad knew what happened before her death but he had declined to shed light during questioning – refusing to answer 252 statements put to him.

Worthington denies any wrongdoing and is now living in hiding with the help of police protection.

Arthur Labinjo-Hughes

Tragic Arthur, six, was tortured to death by his dad Thomas Hughes and stepmum Emma Tustin after months of horrific abuse.

The evil couple waged a sick “campaign of cruelty”[4] against Arthur in his tragic final months.

He was segregated for 14 hours a day and forced to sleep on the floor in a brutal struggle that matched the “medical definition of child torture”.

Arthur Labinjo-Hughes was murdered after months of abuse

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Arthur Labinjo-Hughes was murdered after months of abuse

Arthur was also poisoned with so much salt he was too weak to even put up a fight against his torturers’ horrific abuse.

On June 16, 2020, Tustin repeatedly smashed the youngster’s head against a hard surface causing him to collapse.

He died in hospital the next day from a “head trauma inflicted on him by an adult” consistent with being “vigorously shaken and his head banged repeatedly against a hard surface”.

Arthur’s frail and skeletal body was covered with 130 bruises and he suffered 93 different areas of injury – including on his head, arms, legs, feet and torso.

Chillingly, Arthur’s final months on earth were captured in harrowing audio clips and recordings made by Tustin and Hughes.

Arthur could be heard wailing in one 23-second recording “no one loves me” and “no one is going to feed me”.

Shockingly, the couple’s months of abuse slipped under the net after Hughes and Tustin used lockdown to pull the wool over the eyes of the authorities[5].

Family who raised their concerns with social workers and police were ignored and even threatened with arrest.

increased[6] to 24 years in prison.

References

  1. ^ found beside Kenneth (www.thesun.ie)
  2. ^ found curled up at the legs of his father (www.thesun.ie)
  3. ^ Peter Connelly (www.thesun.ie)
  4. ^ waged a sick “campaign of cruelty” (www.thesun.ie)
  5. ^ pull the wool over the eyes of the authorities (www.the-sun.com)
  6. ^ increased (www.thesun.ie)

Horror as ‘gorgeous’ boy, 2, in Pudsey pyjamas is left to die alone next to his dead dad – why did no one save him?

A BOY of two starved to death next to his dad’s body after social ­services missed chances to save him, his devastated family said yesterday.

Bronson Battersby, pictured in ­Pudsey Bear pyjamas, was found curled up with heart victim Kenneth 14 days after they were last seen.

Bronson Battersby, pictured in ­Pudsey Bear pyjamas, starved to death next to his dad’s body after social ­services 'missed chances to save him'

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Bronson Battersby, pictured in ­Pudsey Bear pyjamas, starved to death next to his dad’s body after social ­services ‘missed chances to save him’Credit: Facebook
The tragic little boy, 2, pictured with father Kenneth, who died of a heart attack soon after Boxing Day

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The tragic little boy, 2, pictured with father Kenneth, who died of a heart attack soon after Boxing DayCredit: Facebook
Mum Sarah hugs Bronson as they smile for the camera

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Mum Sarah hugs Bronson as they smile for the cameraCredit: Facebook

Bronson’s mum Sarah, 43, said: “We have to be able to rely on social workers to keep our children safe.”

A rapid review has been launched in Skegness, Lincolnshire.

The pair were last seen alive on Boxing Day before ­Kenneth, 60, died of a heart attack soon after.

It meant Bronson, under children’s services care, was left in the dark with no food or water — unable to get help.

Social workers visited the rented property on January 2 and again two days later, getting no answer.

They contacted police but, shockingly, there was another five-day gap before Bronson and Kenneth’s bodies were found on January 9.

Emaciated pet boxer dog Skylar survived at the home in Skegness, Lincs.

Preliminary tests found Bronson died of dehydration and starvation.

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Yesterday mum Sarah Piesse, 43, fought back tears as she told The Sun: “If social services had done their job Bronson would still be alive. But they didn’t do anything.

“I can’t believe it.

“They can’t let them get away with this.

“We have to be able to rely on social workers to keep our children safe.”

Sarah added: “I’ve had the results of the post mortem.

“Bronson starved to death because his dad died.

“They think Kenneth died no earlier than December 29.

“It means if the social worker had pushed to get in when she got no reply on January 2 then Bronson would still have been alive.”

Heartbreakingly Sarah, a mum of three, was unable to hold Bronson when she went to identify him.

She wept as she said: “I couldn’t pick him up because his body was too fragile.

“I could only touch him. He had been left there too long.”

Sarah last saw Bronson before Christmas after rowing with her ex.

Bronson was last seen alive when he waved at a neighbour who called on the lad and his dad on Boxing Day.

On December 27 Kenneth messaged a neighbour to say: “Thanks so much for caring, it means the world to me and Bronson.”

That day, Bronson’s social worker texted Kenneth to arrange a routine visit.

“She knocked on the door on January 2 but left when there was no answer. She made enquiries at other addresses, and called police.

Lincolnshire County Council says the social worker made an ­unannounced visit to the property on January 4 and when there was again no response she contacted police again.

Finally she arranged for a key from the landlord and made the grim discovery. Police and medics raced to the scene but the pair were pronounced dead.

Sarah then received a knock at the door from police informing her of the devastating news.

The boy, under children’s services care, was left in the dark with no food or water

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The boy, under children’s services care, was left in the dark with no food or waterCredit: Facebook
Flowers left outside the home in Skegness where the pair died

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Flowers left outside the home in Skegness where the pair diedCredit: Louis Wood

Yesterday the county council confirmed it had launched a rapid review into events surrounding Bronson’s death.

The social worker has not been suspended although is understood to have voluntarily taken time off.

A family friend, who had Bronson’s teddy and woollen gloves on her mantelpiece, said: “It breaks my heart.

“Bronson deserved so, so much better. He was such a loving, adorable little boy.

“They found him curled up at Kenneth’s legs. He was left in the dark and must have been terrified and so confused.

“He must have thought his dad was just asleep or something.

“He must have been trying to wake him up. He must have been screaming. I don’t know how the neighbours didn’t hear.

“Apparently children of that age can last three or four days without any food. It must have been torture. He was just gorgeous. He was always smiling and so loving. He always wanted a cuddle. He was like any toddler. He loved anything that made a noise.”

The friend told how Bronson loved cartoons on YouTube channel Cocomelon, played his Little Tykes drum kit constantly, and adored nursery rhymes.

She added: “Social services have let that boy down.

“He might still be alive now if they had done their jobs properly.

“When does a social worker just accept no answer on the door of a vulnerable child? It’s a disgrace.

“They knew Kenny was unwell. They must have known there was a chance Bronson could be left on his own.”

Police have ruled out any suspicious circumstances and have passed the case to the coroner.

The initial post-mortem examination is said to have ruled out ­carbon monoxide poisoning.

Jobless Kenneth is said to have suffered from a pre-existing heart condition and had become severely jaundiced over recent months.

Social services classified Bronson as vulnerable which meant he received weekly visits.

A pal said: “Kenneth loved Bronson more than anything. They were like two peas in a pod. He would have done anything for him.

“They were everything to one another. I keep having a mental picture of Bronson trying to wake his dad up, alone and confused. It makes me so angry.”

A spokeswoman for Lincolnshire Police said: “Police were made aware of the deaths of a 60-year-old man and a two-year-old child at a property in Skegness, at around 3.25pm on January 9.

“Investigations have been carried out and the deaths are not being treated as suspicious.”

East Midlands[1] Ambulance Service confirmed an ambulance and three of its medics had attended.

Heather Sandy, executive director for children’s services, said: “This was a tragic incident, and we are supporting the family at this difficult time.

Bronson loved cartoons, played his Little Tykes drum kit constantly, and adored nursery rhymes

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Bronson loved cartoons, played his Little Tykes drum kit constantly, and adored nursery rhymesCredit: Facebook

CALLS MISSED PAIR

BEFORE CHRISTMAS: Sarah sees Bronson alive for the last time — and argues with his dad.

BOXING DAY: Neighbour checks on Bronson and he waves from inside the house.

DEC 27: Kenneth messages a neighbour to thank her for ­caring. He’s in contact with social worker to arrange January 2 visit.

DEC 29: Earliest date that Kenneth could have died.

JAN 2: Social worker calls but no answer. Police contacted and other properties searched.

JAN 4: Social worker calls again.

JAN 9: She and landlord get into home and find bodies

JAN 16: Family learn initial post mortem results. Kenneth died of heart attack and Bronson from dehydration and starvation.

References

  1. ^ East Midlands (www.thesun.ie)

Who was Bronson Battersby and what happened to him?

THE news of Bronson Battersby’s death broke hearts across the UK after it was reported that the toddler had died in January 2024.

Bronson, who was just two years old when he passed away, was found curled up at the legs of his father[1] by social services after his father’s death left him alone for nearly 14 days.

Bronson Battersby tragically died when he was just two years old

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Bronson Battersby tragically died when he was just two years oldCredit: Facebook

Who was Bronson Battersby?

Bronson Battersby was the son of Sarah Piesse and Kenneth Battersby.

He tragically died in January 2024 when he was just two years old.

After his death, Bronson was described by a family friend as a “loving, adorable little boy.”

They said: “He was just gorgeous. He was always smiling and so loving.

“He always wanted a cuddle. He was like any toddler. He loved anything that made a noise.”

The friend, speaking to The Sun, added that Bronson loved cartoons on YouTube channel Cocomelon.

He could also often be found playing his Little Tykes drum kit and loved nursery rhymes.

Bronson was classified as vulnerable by social services, which meant he received weekly visits.

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Who was Kenneth Battersby?

Kenneth Battersby was the father of Bronson.

He died of a heart attack shortly after Boxing Day 2023 but was not found until almost a fortnight later.

Kenneth, who was 60 when he passed away, is said to have suffered from a pre-existing heart condition.

He had reportedly become severely jaundiced in the months before his death.

A friend told The Sun that Kenneth loved Bronson “more than anything.”

They said: “They were like two peas in a pod. He would have done anything for him.

“They were everything to one another.”

What happened to Bronson Battersby?

Bronson tragically died after his father’s death meant he was left with no food or water.

Both Bronson and his dad, Kenneth, were last seen alive the day after Christmas, on December 26, 2023.

Kenneth died shortly after and Bronson was left in the dark and unable to get help.

Social workers visited Kenneth’s rented property in Skegness, Lincolnshire, on January 2 but nobody answered the door.

They tried again two days later and, after again getting no answer, then contacted the police.

There was then a five-day gap before Bronson and Kenneth’s bodies were discovered on January 9.

Only Kenneth’s emaciated pet dog, Skylar, was found alive in the home.

Preliminary tests found Bronson died of dehydration and starvation.

Bronson’s mum Sarah Piesse told The Sun that her son would still be alive “if social services had done their job.”

“But they didn’t do anything…I can’t believe it,” she said.

Piesse added: “We have to be able to rely on social workers to keep our children safe.”

Sarah told The Sun that the authorities think that Kenneth died no earlier than December 29.

She said: “It means if the social worker had pushed to get in when she got no reply on January 2 then Bronson would still have been alive.”

After news of Bronson and Kenneth’s deaths broke, the county council confirmed it had launched a rapid review into events surrounding Bronson’s death.

It was also reported that the police ruled out any suspicious circumstances and passed the case to the coroner.

The social worker involved in the incident was not suspended but it is understood they voluntarily took time off.

Heather Sandy, executive director for children’s services, said: “This was a tragic incident, and we are supporting the family at this difficult time.


“Our thoughts are with the family and friends of those involved.”

References

  1. ^ was found curled up at the legs of his father (www.thesun.ie)