Archie Spriggs murder: 'Thoughts are with family' says mental health trust
The mental health trust that oversees support groups used by a Shropshire mother who killed her young son said that its thoughts are with the family.
Lesley Speed was jailed for 18 years for the murder of seven-year-old Archie Spriggs.
He died of asphyxia at their home, in Rushbury, near Wall under Heywood, near Church Stretton, on September 21 last year.
South Staffordshire and Shropshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust spokesman Paul Kumar said: "This is a tragic set of circumstances and our thoughts are with Archie's family.
"This case is subject to a widespread investigation being led by the local authority's safeguarding children board.
"We are unable to comment further at this stage."
Shropshire Safeguarding Children Board has launched a serious case review over the way various agencies dealt with the family.
Speed, aged 44, who had a history of depression was embroiled in an acrimonious custody fight with her ex-partner Matthew Spriggs over who their son should live with when he was found dead, and she was found with self-inflicted injuries.
Last week it was revealed that a serious case review will be carried out following the murder conviction.
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Shropshire Council's social services were among the agencies that had dealings with the youngster's family prior to the murder.
Now an inquiry has been announced to look at any lessons that should be learned from the death.
The independent chairman of the Shropshire Safeguarding Children’s Board (SSCB) Ivan Powell, said: "The death of any child is very sad, particularly when in such tragic circumstances, and our thoughts are with Archie and his family.
“The SSCB has already commissioned a serious case review which will consider the way in which agencies worked both individually and together in this case, and explore whether there is a need to improve the way they work to safeguard and promote the welfare of children in Shropshire.
“The family have been informed of this and they will be given the opportunity to contribute to the review process.
“Until the review is complete it would be inappropriate for the board, or for any of the partner agencies, to comment further.”
Archie's father Matthew Spriggs claims the authorities dismissed his concerns about Speed's behaviour, missed opportunities to prevent the killing and failed his son.
Jurors at Birmingham Crown Court unanimously convicted Speed last week after hearing how she was found with self-inflicted cuts to her neck, arms and wrists, having killed Archie at the property near Wall under Heywood.
