DISTURBED DAD WHO THREW BABY INTO RIVER GETS LIFE IN MENTAL HEALTH HOSPITAL
Zak Bennett-Eko, aged 23, was found guilty of manslaughter by diminished responsibility for the death of his 11-month-old son, Zakari.The incident took place on 11 September 2019, when Bennett-Eko threw his baby into the River Irwell from a bridge in Radcliffe, Greater Manchester.
An extensive case review revealed multiple shortcomings in the support and care given to Bennett-Eko, who suffered from paranoid schizophrenia.
The review noted that he became 'lost' to the social care system after relocating, particularly when he and the child's mother, Emma Blood, moved to Bury in June 2018, which led to increased social isolation and vulnerability.
It also criticized the lack of a coordinated multi-agency approach to properly evaluate and address the risks linked to his mental health and substance use.
During court proceedings, it was shared that Bennett-Eko believed his son was turning into the devil before committing the act, and he had previously requested to be sectioned at North Manchester General Hospital three days earlier.
The family and social support agencies recognized the failures in handling his mental health issues and responded by enhancing staff training and improving collaboration across agencies.
Ultimately, Bennett-Eko received a hospital order, and Bury Council expressed regret, acknowledging that lessons must be learned to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
