I READ again recently about the tragic case of Baby P and the large sum received by Sharon Shoesmith to compensate for her unfair dismissal. Unfortunately, someone always had to bear the blame for the tragic consequences of that little boy’s death at the hands of his vile mother.

I was horrified that this monster was actually allowed to keep this sad, suffering child for more than eight months before his hurting, abused little body could take no more and he died.

His murderess is now serving a pathetic five years - what price justice?

However, what I find most upsetting nowadays is that if the word “sex” comes into a case, children are removed without hesitation, otherwise children are left at the mercy of women who should never be in charge of any child. What is it about sex that gives it such importance, when it can be just as devastating to a child when the abuse does not involve sex? It is about time that as soon as a child is injured by its mother it is removed from her care instead of waiting for what can be fatal consequences, whether sex is involved or not.

Heather Causnett, Escrick Park Gardens, Escrick, York.