A BROMLEY man charged with killing a toddler has been found not guilty of murder.

The youngster died in August last year from a catalogue of injuries, including a broken back, fractured ribs, and a missing tooth.

Jason Owen, aged 36, of Wittersham Road, Bromley, and the baby’s 27-year-old mother from Haringey in north London, who cannot be named for legal reasons, were on trial for the murder of the 17-month-old, referred to as Baby P.

But the jury returned a verdict of not guilty against the two defendants on the judge’s direction at the Old Bailey today (October 30).

Judge Kramer said: “After hearing submissions I have decided as a matter of law there is insufficient evidence against [the mother] and Jason Owen for the case against them to continue.”

The mother’s boyfriend, who also cannot be named, lived with her in Haringey at the time of the baby’ death.

He still faces charges of murder and causing or allowing the death of a child.

Mr Owen will also still face charges of causing or allowing the death of a child.

Sally O’Neill, prosecuting, began summing up the cases against Mr Owen and the mother’s boyfriend yesterday (October 29).

She said: “The spotlight turns entirely on the boyfriend as the person who carried out these acts.”

“We submit that Baby P was unlawfully killed and that the two defendants you are concerned with were involved in an immediate clean-up as soon as Baby P had gone from the premises and before the 999 call was made, as far as his clothing was concerned.”

The case continues.

The mother had previously pleaded guilty to causing or allowing the death of her child.