KATHRYN SMITH

MUM JAILED FOR LIFE AFTER TODDLER'S TRAGIC DEATH DESPITE MISSED RED FLAGS

SOCIAL workers "missed red flags" before a toddler was stamped to death by her mum - but her killing "couldn't have been predicted", a serious case review has found.Kathryn Smith, 24, was jailed for life after murdering Ayeeshia-Jane Smith at the family home in May 2014.The report by Derbyshire's Safeguarding Children Board revealed that the 21-month-old was killed a day after a multi-agency risk assessment meeting called due to "a growing sense of unease" about her safety.The serious case review, which identified those involved by initials, said all agencies concerned with the family had been "inclined to take what (Smith) said at face value".A summary of the report stated: "An attitude of professional curiosity requiring practitioners to examine the lived experience of (Ayeeshia-Jane) was often missing by all agencies."The needs of (Smith) overshadowed the needs of (Ayeeshia-Jane) frequently."Ayeeshia-Jaye, described as thin and slight, was pronounced dead in hospital after suffering a fatal heart laceration inflicted by Smith, who was also convicted of child cruelty.The toddler's stepfather, 22-year-old Matthew Rigby, was jailed for three years and six months for causing or allowing the death of a child.The report into the youngster's death noted a number of medical incidents and minor injuries involving the toddler between January and April 2014, the most significant being hair loss and a suspected convulsion.The report stated the police involvement and growing concerns about domestic violence led to a risk assessment conference on April 30, 2014.

Ayeeshia-Jane was placed on a child protection plan at birth due to neglect concerns and was taken into care in mid-2013, then returned to Smith after she complied with expectations.

Despite some medical concerns, all agencies had been too focused on Smith's needs, overlooking those of Ayeeshia-Jane.

The report concluded that her death "couldn't have been predicted," but professionals should have been more inquisitive about her safety, especially regarding Smith's new partner.

Smith was convicted of murder, sentenced to life with a minimum term of 19 years after her appeal was denied, and the NSPCC emphasized the need for better protective measures for vulnerable children.