Family anger over baby's death

Tragic circumstances: Karen Hanson with Tamara

The father of a baby girl killed by her mentally ill mother in Todmorden claims the local council failed to protect the child.

Six-month-old Tamara Gardner was suffocated by her mother, Karen Hanson, in November 2000.

Ms Hanson was found guilty of infanticide and was put on probation.

Tamara's father and grandmother say Calderdale Council in West Yorkshire knew Ms Hanson was ill and that she also had criminal convictions, but failed to notify the child's father.

Tamara had also been put on the child protection register because of the council's concerns about Karen Hanson's condition.

Richard Gardner says more information should have been provided

The baby's father Richard Gardner told BBC Look North the family feel they have been kept in the dark.

He said: "They (the council) could be more honest to the parents...if one of them is in danger of harming a child they should tell the other parent.

Grandmother Jackie Gardner said: "The council have said they were working by the book, if that's the case they want a new book."

The Area Child Protection Committee has undertaken a serious review of the circumstances to see if any lessons can be learned

Calderdale Council

In a statement, Calderdale Council said: "Prior to the birth, and throughout the child's life, the council and other agencies were in regular contact with her parents and grandmother.

"This amounted to virtually weekly contact.

"The Area Child Protection Committee has undertaken a serious review of the circumstances to see if any lessons can be learned."