LITTLE Demi-Leigh Bolton had been handed to social workers after being found home alone just over 12 months before she was murdered by her father, the BEN can reveal today.

The following day, the baby who was just six months old when she was left alone while her parents were out tampering with cars, was handed back to her mum Bernadette Bolton and her violent dad Sysa Oudomvilay.

The baby was placed on the Child Protection register but was taken off it two days after her first birthday.

As reported in later editions of yesterday's BEN, Oudomvilay was jailed for life at Manchester Crown Court for the murder of his 19-month-old daughter at their home in Hooton Street, Daubhill last September.

Oudomvilay inflicted two fractures to the child's skull after he flew into a rage and attacked Demi-Leigh because "she happened to be there."

Oudomvilay was described as an "inadequate man" prone to violent outbursts because of problems in his relationship with Bernadette.

At the time of the murder Oudomvilay was on probation for neglecting Demi-Leigh by leaving her home alone while he and his girlfriend interfered with cars. The BEN can reveal that after their arrest police officers went to their home and found Demi in total darkness. Officers took her to a Bolton Social Services home.

But the following day the baby was handed back to her parents.

There will now be a full investigation into the case.

Dr John Ellis, consultant paediatrician at the Royal Bolton Hospital and chairman of the Bolton Area Child Protection Committee, said: "Initial findings show that the death of Demi-Leigh could not have been predicted or prevented." A commttiee spokesman said that in line with normal procedures there would be a full independent investigation with reports from 10 different agencies involved with the family, including Social Services, GPs, the police, the health service and the probation service.

The spokesman said: "Demi-Leigh was seen at various stages of her short life by health visitors, doctors and social workers. Though her family background was not very settled, her development was normal and she made good progress.

"She was placed on the Child Protection Register and returned to her parents after her mother assured Social Services she could make proper arrangements."

Oudomvilay had offered three different stories to explain his daughter's death which were all dismissed by pathologist Dr William Lawler as not not being consistent with her terrible injuries.

Commenting on the court verdict Det Ch Insp Frank Raggett, the head of Bolton Central CID said today: "The offence was horrendous and I believe justice has now been served."

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