Parents Abuse Kids to Death After “Terrified” Social Workers Ignored Abuse

Ainlee Labonte died from severe abuse inflicted by her parents AFTER the Department of Children and Family Services received over 55 complaints against the couple in the 18 months leading to the toddler’s death. Thirty-two of the complaints came after concerned neighbors reported domestic violence in the home. On numerous occasions, neighbors heard Ainlee screaming and noticed she was malnourished.

One neighbor called police about 2:30 a.m. after hearing Leanna Lobonte screaming at her boyfriend, Dennis Henry, to stop tormenting Ainlee or she would "murder him."

Shocking Discovery

Paramedics found the 2 ½ year old lying on a table in her London home on January 2, 2004. She was covered in 64 separate scars, burns, bruises, and scald marks when found. She had not eaten for two days and weighed 21-pounds, half the normal weight for a child her age. Hospital staff said Ainlee had been abused so badly she was too weak to eat and looked like a “famine” victim.

Violent & Aggressive Parents Paralyze Social Workers With Fear

Her parents, 20-year-old Leanne Labonte and 39-year-old Dennis Henry, were described as “violent and aggressive” by others. So much so the couple apparently “paralyzed” social workers, health workers, and housing officials from helping the frightened little girl. Worker after worker abandoned her when she needed them most, withdrawing from the case due to “personal safety reasons.” The same workers refused to visit the house due to “intimidation” and the fear the parents would attack them.

Police questioned the parents whom both blamed each other for Ainlee’s injuries and denied any involvement in abusing the girl. Both were arrested and later convicted on manslaughter charges.

Social Workers Visit Home Before Ainlee’s Death

Before Ainlee’s murder, social workers who did visit the home found drug paraphernalia but dismissed concerns after Labonte said it was just a “ploy” to get better government housing.

A social worker visiting the home five months before her death noticed Ainlee

Strapped in a high chair facing a bedroom wall. This was also dismissed after the parents told workers the toddler kept throwing food around and it was her punishment.

Two other children found in the home were removed by social workers. It is unclear if these children were also abused.

"Ainlee died a painful death at the hands of her parents, the very people she should have been able to trust for care and protection above all others. Even Officers with many years of experience were truly shocked and upset at what this little girl endured" -- Assistant Deputy Commissioner - Carole Howlett

Sentencing

It took prosecutors more than two hours to describe all 64 injuries inflicted on the child found on her body at the time of her death.

Police sentenced Labonte to 10-years of incarceration while Henry received 12-years behind bars. Labonte cried as the judge read her sentence in court.

Mr. Justice Levenson said in court:

"At least until Ainlee was too weak, each time she was burned with a cigarette, scaled with hot water and pinched causing terrible lesions, I have no doubt that she would have screamed and screamed until she could scream no more. No one who was involved or at least implicated in her injuries could possibly have stood by"

Both Labonte and Henry have since been released from prison though information regarding their current whereabouts is unknown.

Rest easy, Ainleee. What a beautiful little girl and sad, sad story.

#StopChildAbuse

Resources & Additional Case Information:

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2002/sep/21/childrensservices.childprotection1

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/2585687.stm

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/19948421/ainlee-labonte

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/2270974.stm