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16/01/02 - Forgive me
DON MACKAY
The Mirror
A SOCIAL worker facing trial for refusing to
help the Victoria Climbie inquiry begged the murdered
youngster's parents for forgiveness yesterday.
But Francis and Berthe Climbie said Carole Baptiste's
late apology had only deepened their pain. Admitting she
should have looked at Victoria's case "more thoroughly"
Baptiste, 39, told them: "Please forgive me if you
have felt I have frustrated orhindered the inquiry.
"Because I am a parent, I understand only too
well that answers are needed.
"I have known so much sorrow from this experience.
So I know what it is like to experience loss, albeit
temporary.
"Whatever you think about my non-attendance at
the inquiry, you have been in my thoughts."
Mr and Mrs Berthe said later: "It is regrettable
this witness has delayed her attendance despite numerous
requests.
"Her delay has prolonged our stress, anxiety and
pain. It may well be she has suffered emotionally. But
her distress cannot be compared to ours."
Victoria, eight, died after being beaten and tortured
by her great aunt Marie Therese Kouao, 44, and Kouao's
boyfriend Carl Manning, 28. Both are serving life jail.
Baptiste, who worked for Haringey social services,
in North West London, was in charge of her case in the
months leading up to the murder.
Colleagues have accused her of wasting time and lacking
key skills.
Yesterday Baptiste finally appeared before the Southwark
hearing.
With head bowed and hesitating to answer questions,
she admitted she should have known more about the case.
But she said she was never given the full picture of
abuse.
She said in a statement: "I regret Victoria's
voice was not heard.
"I hope the contribution I have subsequently made
will help prevent another child's death." Baptiste
is accused of breaching a public inquiry summons. She
denies the offence. |
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