Stacey Lawrence murder could not have been prevented

The murder of nine-year-old Black Country schoolgirl Stacey Lawrence could not have been foreseen or prevented, a serious case review has concluded.

Sandwell Safeguarding Children Board launched the review after the child from West Bromwich was strangled and sexually assaulted by her mother's lorry driver fiance Darren Walker in August last year.

The review has ruled there were no concerns about Stacey, who lived in Bagnall Street, or other children in the family, but said lessons could be learned from the tragedy.

The youngster's body was found in the cab of a white Spar lorry parked in a lay-by in Warmington, Northants, on August 29 last year.

She had been on a delivery run with her mother's fiance Darren Walker, 40, of Hickman Road, Bilston, whose body was found hanging from a tree in nearby woodland. An inquest this year ruled she had been unlawfully killed.

The review concluded the death was neither predictable nor preventable, however, the process of the serious case review has highlighted lessons that can be learned by all the agencies involved.

Avriel Reader, chair of the board, said: "This was a tragedy for the child and of course for her family.

"There is nothing to suggest it could have been foreseen or prevented, however, that does not mean we cannot learn lessons.

"The girl was not known to children's social care. Agencies which did know of her, including school and healthcare described her as happy and settled.

"Serious case reviews are not about finding someone to blame. This is about constantly improving processes to safeguard vulnerable children and families."

Ms Reader added the review had raised issues of both local and national relevance, highlighting a particular type of situation for families involved in repeated moves around the country.

The family had moved several times before settling in Sandwell in 2007 and schools did experience some difficulties getting hold of previous records. A recommendation was made in respect of this to Education Secretary Michael Gove.

She said: "General issues were identified in the course of this investigation where practice could be improved."