THE TRAGIC death of two-year-old Lola James has cast a harsh spotlight on the systemic failures of Pembrokeshire County Council’s child protection services.

A damning report released on Thursday (Aug 1) highlights significant lapses and procedural shortcomings that contributed to this devastating outcome. Lola, who suffered catastrophic brain injuries at the hands of her mother’s partner, Kyle Bevan, was failed by a series of critical missteps from the agencies meant to protect her. 

Bevan, described as a “monster” in court, moved into the family home in Haverfordwest just four months before the fatal attack. 

Despite prior incidents of domestic abuse and signs of escalating violence, the local authorities’ intervention remained insufficient and ineffective.

The report highlights the dire impact of staff shortages and excessive workloads within the child services department. 

Lola suffered catastrophic brain injuries at the hands of her mother’s partner, Kyle Bevan (Image: Herald)

Notably, an assessment crucial to Lola’s safety was closed prematurely by an overburdened team manager who was on sick leave without the assigned social worker’s input. This prevented a thorough evaluation of Lola’s circumstances and the necessary protective measures from being implemented.
Communication failures further compounded the issue. Information about domestic incidents and behavioural concerns was not adequately shared among agencies, leading to missed opportunities for timely intervention. 

Health visitors and social services did not maintain consistent follow-ups or escalate their concerns, even as Lola exhibited signs of distress and abuse.

The CYSUR report calls for urgent reforms, including better staff training, improved inter-agency communication, and addressing systemic workload issues. These changes are vital to prevent future tragedies and to ensure that vulnerable children in Pembrokeshire receive the protection they desperately need.

In response to the report, Cllr Tessa Hodgson, Cabinet Member for Social Care and Safeguarding, issued a statement on behalf of Pembrokeshire County Council: “Pembrokeshire County Council would first like to convey their sincerest condolences to the family of Lola James and to all those who have been affected by her murder over four years ago.

“This review process, which we have fully and openly engaged with along with our multi-agency partners with whom we share safeguarding responsibilities, has been an opportunity for the local authority to reflect on its practice and to learn from the observations contained in the independent report. 

“We would like to recognise the significant commitment and input of those who have participated in the review process and who have been involved with the family over the last four years.

“The local authority takes its duties within the safeguarding arena extremely seriously and prioritises the protection and support of society’s most vulnerable. While we strive to demonstrate good practice, there is always room for improvement, and the opportunities this review has presented us with will allow us to improve how we work with vulnerable children and young people in the future.

“Ahead of today’s report’s publication, we developed an action plan to address the issues the review raised for us, and we have already made considerable progress against that plan. In addition, we have established a social care improvement board, which includes locally elected politicians, senior officers, and an external independent expert among its members. This board will oversee the delivery of the actions within that plan, with progress also being reported to local authority scrutiny committees and cabinet meetings. 

“We also hope that the report will contribute to wider ongoing learning and improvement in relation to a number of key safeguarding issues across all agencies with safeguarding responsibilities in the West Wales region and beyond. 

“It is imperative that we take all opportunities to improve our services and ensure that children and families receive the best quality of support available. Once again, Pembrokeshire County Council would like to extend its deepest sympathies to the family and all of those who knew Lola.”

A joint statement from Pembrokeshire County Council, Hywel Dda University Health Board, and Dyfed Powys Police accompanied the publication of the report has been issued. 

It reads: “All agencies involved in this report wish to convey their sincerest condolences to the child’s family and to all those who have been affected by the murder of a child in such appalling circumstances. 

“This review has been an opportunity to reflect on and share learning amongst all partner organisations and practitioners on a multi-agency basis, and we acknowledge the commitment and contribution of those who have participated in the review process.

“All agencies take very seriously the opportunities presented by this review to consider our practice and improve how we protect vulnerable children. 

“We hope that the report will also contribute to wider ongoing learning and improvement in relation to a number of key safeguarding issues across all agencies with safeguarding responsibilities. 

“Lola’s case continues to reverberate throughout the community. Pembrokeshire County Council faces intense scrutiny and pressing demands to overhaul its child protection framework. 

The failure to safeguard Lola James stands as a stark reminder of the critical importance of effective, sufficiently resourced, and staffed child welfare services.

Responding to the news that a child practice review highlighted ‘missed opportunities’ to intervene before a toddler was murdered by her mum’s boyfriend, Dr Altaf Hussain MS, Welsh Conservative Shadow Minister for Social Care said: “This is a truly tragic case, that should not have been allowed to happen.

“Improving the safeguarding of children must be our top priority, but Labour in Wales are the only government in the UK to have not yet enacted a children’s services review.

“The Welsh Conservatives renew our calls for a Wales-wide children’s services review, involving every council, to improve outcomes and to avoid tragic cases such as Lola James’.”

Carl Harris, Assistant Director at NSPCC Cymru, said: “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 findings in this report highlight yet again the need for greater investment in children’s services in Wales to provide comprehensive support to any child at risk of harm and to be better equipped to prevent a tragedy such as this happening again.

“It is time to make child protection a national priority. The Welsh Government has committed to transforming children’s social care, but we need to see more details on timescales, activity and progress.

“We need 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 [email protected] . If a child is in immediate danger, please call 999.”

This report was filed by Tom Sinclair, with additional reporting by Jon Coles