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Brothers jailed for Baby P death could be prosecuted for grandmother torture

By: KentOnline reporter multimediadesk@thekmgroup.co.uk

Published: 16:52, 23 November 2009

Updated: 16:52, 23 November 2009

Stephen Barker

The two brothers involved in the death of tragic Baby P could yet be charged with torturing their own grandmother 14 years ago.

Police have launched a cold case review into the alleged attack on 82-year-old Hilda Barker at her home in Green Leas, Chestfield in November 1995.

Detectives will this week ask the Crown Prosecution Service if there is enough evidence to charge brothers Steven Barker (left), 33, and Jason Owen (right), 37, with causing grievous bodily harm.

Jason Owen, convicted in connection with the death of Baby P

The pair allegedly locked the terrified widow in a wardrobe in a bid to get her to change her will.

The pensioner claimed the men wore Guy Fawkes masks while they beat her black and blue. She was so traumatised she had to be moved to a care home.

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The brothers - currently in jail for causing the death of Baby Peter - were charged by Kent Police but the case was later dropped.

Neighbour Jackie Cole, 58, says Mrs Barker never recovered from the ordeal.

She said: "They would always come down to visit her from London with their parents.

"They were unruly, boisterous, appeared a lot younger than their age and it was clear to see they couldn't be controlled.

Baby P, who died after severe beatings in Haringey

"But the parents were lovely people. We would speak to them regularly and my husband David even lent the boys tools to help look after Hilda's garden."

Mrs Cole and her family were on holiday at the time of the alleged attack.

When they returned, Mrs Barker had been admitted to the Ladesfield Care Home in Borstal Hill, Whitstable, where she remained until her death from pneumonia in February 1996.

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Mrs Cole said: "She never came back home after that.

"She was a lovely lady. You could not wish for a better next-door-neighbour."

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