Calls for Wales child services review in the wake of 2 year-old Lola James murder

Kyle Bevan, the boyfriend of Lola’s mother Sinead James was found guilty of the murder of two-year-old Lola this week.

Sinead James was also found guilty of causing or allowing her death.

Children’s charity NSPCC has called for a review into agency child practices following Lola’s death, to determine whether more could have been done to save her.

NSPCC Cymru’s Assistant Director Tracey Holdsworth said: “This is another tragic case where a young child has died at the hands of those who she depended on.

“Lola deserved a happy and healthy future, but that was cruelly taken away by the horrendous actions of Kyle Bevan and the failure of her mother, Sinead James, to intervene.

“The Child Practice Review into Lola’s death must establish whether more could have been done by agencies to save her, and drive the action required to help prevent such tragic cases in the future.

“Now is the time to make child protection a national priority. The Welsh Government has rightly committed to transforming children’s social care and it’s crucial this leads to systemic changes that ensure children like Lola are better protected.

“We can all look out for children’s welfare, and anyone concerned about a child can call the NSPCC free helpline on 0808 800 5000, or email help@nspcc.org.uk. If a child is in immediate danger, please call 999.”

That call was backed by Welsh Conservative Shadow Minister for Social Services, Gareth Davies MS.

Mr Davies said: “The death of Lola James was an incredible tragedy, it is extremely saddening to read news of children so neglected or abused by their caregivers that they lose their lives. This happens far too often in Wales.

“In the light of other tragic, high-profile cases such as Logan Mwangi and Kaylea Titford, the Labour Government can no longer standby and dither. Welsh Conservatives have been calling for a comprehensive, all-encompassing child services review for time immemorial, while Labour have refused to consider one.

“England, Scotland and Northern Ireland have carried out such reviews – Wales is still the only part of the UK that has not. The Labour Government need to announce one immediately, to get some answers, make necessary changes and take action to save lives.”

Kyle Bevan and Sinead James will be sentenced on 25 April.

(Lead image: Family photo)