Baby P stepfather injured in prison attack

The British stepfather of tragic Baby P was injured in a shocking prison attack, it was reported today.

Steven Barker, who is serving a life sentence for his part in the infant’s death, was reported to have been scalded by a burning mixture hurled by another prisoner.

Barker, 6ft 4in and 18 stone, was left screaming in pain after suffering burns to his face and arm in the attack at high security Wakefield Prison, West Yorkshire, which could leave him scarred for life.

It was initially thought the mixture consisted of sugar and boiling water, but the UK's Ministry of Justice said later that sugar had not been used in the attack.

Boiling water and sugar is known in prison circles as “napalm”. The improvised weapon sticks to the skin and intensifies burns, one of the principal effects of jelly-like napalm bombs.

A source told The Sun newspaper today: “To say Barker is disliked is an understatement – he is reviled. The other inmates all hate him with a passion.

“When Barker came here everyone knew what he had done to Baby P. Your card is marked if you have a crime against your name concerning kids.

“After the attack everyone was in good spirits, knowing someone had hurt Barker. The guy who did it will be getting applauded everywhere he goes now.”

A Prison Service spokesman said: “A prisoner at HMP Wakefield was assaulted by another. Staff intervened quickly and the prisoner received treatment. Police have been informed.”

The NSPCC declined to comment on the attack.