We’ll learn nothing from the murder of Sara Sharif

What exactly do the authorities hope to learn that they do not already know from the safeguarding review now underway into the violent death of 10-year old Sara Sharif? The omens are not good.

Sharif, whose father and stepmother were found guilty of her murder and have been jailed for life, is not the first child living in Britain to lose her life at the hands of those who should have been looking after her. But previous investigations into tragic child deaths – launched to a chorus of “never again” and “lessons will be learnt” – have failed to deliver lasting changes. In 2000, the extent of the abuse inflicted upon eight-year-old Victoria Climbie by her guardians shocked the nation. Promises of major changes followed.

In 2007, the case of 17-month-old baby Peter Connelly, whose mother and stepfather were convicted for causing or allowing the death of the toddler, led to another national outcry.