In August 2019, 15-month-old Jacob Lennon tragically passed away due to severe head injuries inflicted by his mother's partner, Jake Drummond. Jacob's mother, Louise Lennon, was aware of the ongoing abuse but failed to protect her son. Both individuals were subsequently convicted and sentenced for their roles in Jacob's death.

The family was known to social services and several visits were attempted in the days leading up to Jacob's injuries and death. Family friends were alarmed by his injuries when visiting prior to his death.

The judge said that no criticism could be levelled at the social services team in this case. However, the consistent lessons that apply to all cases such as this stand to be re-stated:

Enhanced Inter-Agency Communication: Improved information sharing between social services, healthcare providers, and law enforcement could have identified the risk to Jacob earlier, prompting timely interventions.

Regular Welfare Checks: Consistent home visits by social workers might have detected signs of abuse or neglect, ensuring Jacob's safety.

Public Awareness and Reporting: Educating the community about recognising and reporting child abuse can lead to earlier detection and prevention of such tragedies.

This case underscores the critical importance of vigilance, effective communication, and prompt action in safeguarding vulnerable children.