Baby P - Prosecution Appeal has 'No Realistic Prospect' of Increasing Sentences Imposed

Baroness Scotland last month considered whether to refer the Baby P matter to the appeal courts after "widespread outrage" at the perceived leniency of the sentences imposed.

After consideration, the AG is now of the view that such an appeal brought by the prosecution in an attempt to increase the sentences would have no realistic prospect of success, writes Afua Hirsch of the Guardian. The sentences, says the AG, were within the appropriate guidelines.

Sentences of indeterminate length for "public protection"were imposed for the mother and the lodger following conviction. In the case of the mother a minimum term of 5 years was specified.

Fewer than 50 defendants who have received an IPP (Imprisonment for Public Protection) have been released at the minimum term date.