BEXLEYHEATH: Darent Valley Hospital criticised over Bobby Louch death

Last Friday Bobby’s mother Collette Harris, aged 30, of Chapel Close, Crayford, was jailed for life after being convicted of his murder.

The child had suffered a string of horrific injuries including extensive bleeding to his head and abdomen suspected to be caused by punches and kicks.

And just three weeks before he had been taken to Darent Valley Hospital with a broken leg but sent home the next day despite staff’s suspicions.

A serious case review released today by the Bexley Safeguarding Children’s Board has concluded nothing could have been done to prevent the killing, but says Darent Valley staff should have contacted social services.

Board chairman Deborah Absalom said: “It is clear to us that this tragedy was not foreseeable.

“There was no pattern of abuse, no apparent tension in the family, no reported concerns from family members or friends and there were all the appearances of a loving relationship between a mother and her child.

“Professionals were shocked and distraught to learn of this child’s death.”

Director of nursing at Darent Valley Jenny Kay said: “We are sorry that a referral to Children’s Services was not made.

“Medical staff had met the mother on a number of occasions before. She had always appeared caring and concerned for her children.

“Hospital staff also checked to see whether the child was subject to a Child Protection Plan and established that he was not.

“Staff also observed the mother and her partner with the child on the ward. They also carried out other tests including a full skeletal survey.

“It was the combination of these key factors that led to the judgment that this child was not likely to be in danger.”

The hospital has apologised to the Louch family.

Ms Harris’s former boyfriend James Phillips, aged 25, of Dale View, Erith, was cleared of killing the toddler as well as alternative charges of manslaughter and causing or allowing the death of a child.