The stepfather of Baby P has launched a legal bid for compensation after being attacked in jail, it was reported today.
Steven Barker, 36, was showered with boiling water by a fellow inmate at Wakefield Prison in West Yorkshire two years ago.
Barker, who tortured 17 month old Peter Connelly to death along with his lover Tracey Connelly, was left with burns to his face and arms. Watching prisoners reportedly applauded as the attack took place.
Barker, who is serving 12 years for his part in baby Peter’s death, as well as a life term for a separate rape case, has contacted “no win, no fee” lawyers. They have sent a letter suggesting staff at the prison failed in their duty of care.
One source told The Sun he could be claiming as much as £40,000.
Emma Boon of the Taxpayers’ Alliance, said: “Where the prison service has seriously failed inmates there needs to be an investigation. But it is crazy that the compensation culture is allowing convicted prisoners to pocket taxpayers’ cash.
“The bill for prison compensation is unacceptably high and needs to be urgently addressed.”
