it's a case which will remind many people of victoria climbie, who was aged just eight when in 2001 she murdered by relatives after months of torture. in 2007,17—month—old peter connelly — known as baby p — is found dead with catastrophic injuries. in 2020,16—month—old star hobson is murdered by her mother's partner. at multiple points, the pair managed to deflect attention from social services. star's great—grandfather david fawcett told newsnight how today's news brought back very sad memories. it brings it back home. what's just happened today, the trial, it's more or less three years ago today since the trial of star was, you know, was going on. so it brings it all back, really. it's just so upsetting. does it make you want to to think about star and maybe sort of make a gesture or do something? oh, yes. yes. because i mean, this time of year anyway we stay, you know, it's like christmas. it was one of those occasions where we just wish she were here with us. so yeah, it brings it all back home. and it must be the same for sara's family. you know, what they've had to go through. wel

lord lameing is the former chief inspector of the social services and chair of the victoria climbie inquiry him when he hears never again what he thinks. well, i would like it to be never again, but sadly, our record has left a great deal to be desired and many children have suffered in that time. let me to see if i may, matthew, most human beings find it difficult to understand and accept that an adult — particularly one with caring responsibilities — can set out deliberately to harm a defenseless child. and because of that, the front line staff are vulnerable to being misled by the people who have caused injury to children because they will become very scared and make excuses and give a false explanation. all too often, that false explanation can be taken. that is why two things are absolute essential. first of all, that no one service can protect children at risk like this. the success has been teamwork within the different services working together, sharing information. secondly, because this is very challenging work and emotionally draining, it's very important that front line staff ar