Climbie worker faces trial

Victoria Climbié (centre) suffered months of abuse

A key figure in the Victoria Climbie case is to face trial over accusations that she deliberately failed to appear before the inquiry into the girl's murder.

Carole Baptiste's prosecution by the inquiry headed by Lord Laming is the first of its kind.

She pleaded not guilty at Camberwell Green Magistrates Court in south London on Wednesday to breaching a summons issued by the inquiry.

Ms Baptiste was a team leader at Haringey social services in north London and the line manager for Victoria's social worker, Lisa Arthurworrey.

Carole Baptiste repeatedly failed to give evidence to inquiry

Victoria died in February 2000 after enduring months of abuse by her great aunt Marie-Therese Kouao and Kouao's lover, Carl Manning.

The pair were jailed for life last January.

Prosecuting barrister Brian Altman described Ms Baptiste as a "crucial" inquiry witness.

He said: "Lord Laming's position has been and continues to be that Carole Baptiste should not only provide a witness statement, but should give her evidence to the inquiry before phase one is complete."

The first phase of the inquiry is currently due to end in mid-January.

Medical problems

Defence barrister Peter Shaw said Ms Baptiste had a history of depression and had suffered a breakdown last year.

"Her current condition is much improved, but at the time she was required to attend, her condition was not good," he said.

He added his client was now prepared to co-operate with the inquiry.

But Mr Altman disputed that Ms Baptiste had a history of medical problems.

Even if she were now to co-operate the criminal prosecution would go ahead, he added.

The trial date has been set for 20 February next year.