By Charlotte Webster-
The review into how murdered Finley Boden, a 10-month-old baby killed by his crazy parents is to be held to find out how he came to be placed back in the care of his demented parents.
Stephen Boden and partner Shannon Marsden were found guilty of murdering Finely Boden at their home in Old Whittington, Chesterfield, in December 2020, only 39 days after the little boy was placed back into their care.
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Although professionals saw Finley regularly, both of his parents were evasive with health practitioners and social workers, according to Derbyshire Constabulary.
Finley was taken from his parents shortly after he was born in February 2020 due to concerns surrounding child protection.
Later that year he was returned to the care of Boden and Marsden over a set-eight week period by a family court order, despite Derbyshire social services asking for a longer six-month transition.
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In retrospect, the decision to return the baby to the parents was the result of poor judgement of professionals, potentially including the court.
A social worker anonymously told this publication: ‘the court usually uses information gathered from psychiatrists, child guardians and other professionals. Professionals in many cases make errors, and the eventual outcome is the proof of whether decision is correct or wrong.
‘when it comes to a young child, professionals should never make a wrong judgement, and it is better to err on the side of caution because the child’s needs are paramount”
A trial at Derby Crown Court heard how weeks after the baby was back living with the couple, a social worker looked through the window to see Finley “lying on the sofa, by himself”, yet the youngster remained in his parents’ care. The Derby and Derbyshire Safeguarding Children Partnership has now commissioned a local child safeguarding practice review into the handling of Finley’s case.
Derbyshire County Council has not responded to questions by this publication as to why ready information explaining why the child remained in the parent’s care after that worrying incident.
A Derbyshire County Council spokesperson said: “Finley’s death is a tragedy and our heartfelt sympathy goes out to everyone who knew and loved him. Following the conviction of Finley’s parents for murder we continue to be fully engaged with the Derby and Derbyshire Safeguarding Children Partnership which has commissioned a local child safeguarding practice review.
“This is a statutory legal process, formerly referred to as a serious case review, which looks in depth at the role of all agencies following the death of a child. The review is conducted independently and it would not be appropriate for us to comment further until that review is complete to ensure we do not pre-empt its findings.
“Once the review process has concluded we will be in a position to communicate more fully about this case.”
Boden, of Romford Way in Barrow Hill, Chesterfield, and Marsden, of no fixed address, had denied murder, two counts of child cruelty, and two charges of causing or allowing the death of a child but were found guilty by a jury on Friday, March 14. They will be sentenced in May or June of this year.
The MP for Chesterfield Toby Perkins has described the events as “chilling barbarism” that will send shockwaves around Chesterfield and the world. Mr Perkins said: “The heartbreak and fury that people feel at a tragic life cut short will only be exacerbated by the news that Finley was known to social services but that his evil parents had managed to prevent Social workers from accessing him on several occasions.
“It is right that a full investigation into the handling of this case should take place. I see at my weekly surgeries how stretched Derbyshire children’s services are and regularly have to write to them on behalf of constituents about the support given to parents and families.
“It is a considerable concern that there will be other children and families failed by an over-stretched service, but alongside the lessons that must be learnt, in the fullness of time there must also be accountability for everyone involved in providing these services, not just a hunt for a single scapegoat.
“We must learn what resources are being provided, what the workload is, what the culture of accountability is and what leadership is being provided. Only a full, transparent and independent inquiry will provide reassurance that the required steps are being taken to protect other children in Derbyshire.”
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