This week’s episode comes with a very serious warning.

We’re covering the case of Ellie Butler, a six-year-old girl whose death shocked the country and exposed devastating failures within the child protection system.

Before we get into the case, we talk honestly about how difficult this one has been for us to research and record, and why we felt it was important to flag that upfront. This is not an easy listen.

Ellie was known as a bright, creative little girl, raised by her grandparents from just weeks old. But after a controversial court decision, she was returned to her parents, despite years of warnings, evidence, and concern from professionals.

What follows is not just the story of one man’s violence, but a sequence of decisions that left a child unprotected.

We cover:

• The early signs that something was wrong
• The legal battle that led to Ellie being returned home
• The systemic failures that followed
• And the events of the day Ellie died

This episode contains discussions of child abuse, domestic abuse, and the death of a child.

Please take care while listening. If this isn’t one you can face right now, that’s completely okay.

Support the show

Thanks for tuning in! If you loved diving into the dark corners of South London with us, don't forget to hit that subscribe button to never miss an episode of "Sinister South."

Also, follow us on Instagram @SinisterSouthPodcast for sneak peeks, behind-the-scenes content, and more cheeky banter, or www.sinistersouthpod.co.uk. Remember, every crime tells a story... and South is the best side of the river...

Produced and hosted by Hannah Williams & Rachel Baines
Mixed & edited by Purple Waves Sound (A.K.A Will)