County Council statement following sentencing of Michelle Dickinson

Cumbria County Council has today released the following statement following the sentencing of Michelle Dickinson. The statement covers both the Council's Education and Social Services Directorates. 

"The County Council continues to play a full role in the Child Protection Committee's independent review of the agency actions in providing support to the Dickinson family, and as stated on completion of the trial of Michelle Dickinson is ready to implement any recommendations that may come out of the that independent review. 

While it is not appropriate for the County Council to comment on the sentence passed on Michelle Dickinson it is clear that this case has highlighted important issues that we all face regarding the protection of children from abuse. Today's developments are a further stage in allowing the many people touched by Michael's life and his tragic death to move forward. 

Child abuse can take many forms and the work of agencies involved in investigating such issues is emotionally difficult and demanding. This has been recognised in recent weeks with commendations for those most directly involved in investigating the Michael's untimely death."