Detectives in nanny inquiry fly to Australia
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Your support makes all the difference.SCOTLAND YARD detectives are travelling to Australia to investigate the work record of Louise Sullivan, the nanny facing possible murder charges after a baby died in her care.
Police want to examine 18 "lines of inquiry" in connection with the 26- year-old Australian's previous childcare experience and claims that some of her qualification are bogus.
Miss Sullivan is charged with causing grievous bodily harm to six-month- old Caroline Jongen on 17 April. The baby allegedly suffered brain injuries while in the care of the nanny in London. A pathologist believes she may have been shaken to death, although further tests are being carried out after earlier results were inconclusive. Miss Sullivan denies the charge.
Three senior detectives from the Metropolitan Police's north- west area Major Investigations Team are flying to Sydney tomorrow to investigate reports from Australia about Miss Sullivan's previous work experience as a nanny. It is understood they plan to interview past employers and visit her school and college to examine her qualif- ications. They want to carry out an eight day investigation in Sydney and its suburb of Manley. A police spokesman said: "Some interviews have already been arranged and we are liaising closely with the Australian police and authorities."
Miss Sullivan, who as part of her bail conditions has had to surrender her passport and stay in London, is due to appear in court on 8 June, when police have indicated that manslaughter or possibly murder charges could be brought against her.
The nanny has also had to provide a pounds 2,500 surety and promise not to contact Caroline's parents.
Caroline was pronounced dead at Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children at 5pm on 22 April. She had been in a coma for five days after she was taken to hospital from the home of Dutch-born Marcel Jongen, 41, and his French wife Muriel, 36, in Cricklewood, north-west London. At the opening of an inquest into the baby's death, Dr Freddie Patel, a pathologist, said that the injuries suggested "shaken baby syndrome", but added that a post mortem examination could not be conclusive until further tests had been completed.The inquest was adjourned to a later date.
Miss Sullivan's solicitor, Karen Todner, said yesterday her client had carried out a properly qualified course in Australia.
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