Lessons to be learnt from Hamzah Khan’s death

Bradford Safeguarding Children Board (BSCB) admits there is a lot of work to be done in the aftermath of the death of Hamzah Khan.

Hamza, who died aged four, suffered a life of abuse and had been dead for almost two years when his decomposing body was discovered by a West Yorkshire Police police community support officer (PCSO).

The boy died in 2009 but his body was not found until December 2011.

The PCSO discovered the remains while investigating a minor anti-social behaviour complaint.

Hamza’s mother, Amanda Hutton, was convicted of manslaughter and child cruelty in October 2013.

As noted in the report, the police had sporadic contact with Hutton between 2005 and 2009 as a result of her being a victim of domestic violence. On each of the visits to the home, the attending police officers did not notice anything to cause them concerns about the wellbeing of the children.

Whenever she engaged with police, she received a positive response and, indeed, the report notes the considerable efforts made by police between 2005 and 2008 to help her escape domestic violence.

A particular criticism of the system regarded the number of police complaints that had to be sent to the children’s service.

The policy involved West Yorkshire Police sending Children’s Social Care (CSC) all notifications of incidents to which the police were called where there were children, including where there was no violence or abuse.

Consequently, CSC used up significant resources in screening these notifications, rather than applying its resources more effectively by responding only to those that were appropriate referrals.

In a statement, Professor Nick Frost, independent chair of the BSCB, confirmed his belief that no particular agency was at fault, but admitted changes would have to be made.

“We can’t control or predict the behaviour of all parents, the vast majority of whom are doing their very best to care for their children,” he said. “However, I can assure you that at this stage I am satisfied each agency is responding adequately.

“It is clear from the trial and the judge’s remarks that only one person is responsible for Hamzah’s death: that person is Amanda Hutton, Hamzah’s mother.

“My independent view of services in Bradford has been they are good and sometimes excellent. This personal assessment was re-enforced by the Ofsted inspection of 2012 which is available on the Ofsted website. But lessons must, and will, be learnt and action will follow.”

Nancy Palmer, independent chair of the serious case review also drew attention to the actions of West Yorkshire Police during the case: “It is also important to draw attention to the good professional practice that was identified by the serious case review. This good practice included persistent efforts by a police officer to encourage Amanda Hutton to accept help in response to domestic violence.”

Ms Palmer also praised the PCSO’s actions.

West Yorkshire Police Superintendent Vincent Firth paid tribute to the PSCO who helped discover Hamzah’s body.

“The Serious Case Review report also notes the ‘very considerable persistence’ of a PCSO who attended the address to a report of anti-social behaviour. The officer became suspicious that things were not as they should be at the address. She made numerous attempts to make contact with Amanda Hutton, but she would not let the matter drop.

“She made a child protection referral to children’s social services and requested a uniformed police officer visit the house where Amanda Hutton had refused her access. This resulted in the tragic discovery of Hamzah’s body.”