THE MOTHER and step-father of a seven year old boy who suffered years of abuse and neglect in their care have gone into hiding.

A damning report published this week documented a catalogue of abuse suffered by Blake Fowler before he died from serious head injuries aged seven.

Now Sarah Spacagna and her partner Peter Meek who Blake looked on as a father have fled their city home after being subjected to threats and abuse, the Daily Echo understands.

As reported, the Serious Case Review criticised the authorities for repeatedly failing to step in and protect Blake from further harm. The youngster was regularly seen at school with bruising and black eyes, he also confided in teachers that his dad had banged his head against a bike and a bed, that he “got bruises from his dad” and said the reason he hit another pupil in his face is because that is what his dad did to him.

Blake, who was given vodka to drink, also spoke of how adults watched pornographic films while he lay on the sofa.

The youngster was also admitted to hospital in 2008 with swollen genitals and facial injuries, while earlier that year workmen contacted the NSPCC after see Blake with injuries and hearing screams from his home. There was also an occasion when Blake’s mother was seen hitting him in a supermarket which prompted a witness to contact police.

Daily Echo:

Blake Fowler

Police investigation Hampshire police today confirmed that they were investigating threats made against Ms Spacagna and Mr Meek, who have previously been arrested and quizzed in connection with Blake’s death.

A statement from Hampshire police said they were investigat ing the claims: “Police have received reports of threats being made online against a 26-year-old man and a 29-year-old woman from Southampton. Officers are investigating the allegations.”

The pair are now thought to be living outside the city.

Blake died in December 2011 whilst in the care of Mr Meek who was at the time on bail for assaulting Ms Spacagna. Under those conditions he should not have been in contact with the family.

But the pair had rekindled their relationship and were living in secret at an address in Cromarty Road Lordshill when Blake suffered serious head injuries after it was claimed he had fallen from a sofa.

Daily Echo: Blake Fowler

Blake Fowler

Mr Meek and his brother Phillip, who was in the house at the time, were arrested but subsequently released without charge.

Blake’s inquest held in November 2013 revealed a number of inconsistencies surrounding the circumstances of Blake’s death.

There was also evidence given that instead of calling for an ambulance straight away Mr Meek called Ms Spacagna, who was out shopping, over some concern that he would be in trouble with police for breaking his bail conditions.

In recording an open verdict coroner Keith Wiseman described the couple as telling a ‘plethora of lies’ to the authorities over what happened and added that it was “a disgraceful failure to prioritise the needs of Blake.”

Hampshire police subsequently reviewed the case and publically apologised for the initial probe which they said had fallen well short of the expected standards. Ms Spacagna, Peter and Phillip Meek were all arrested and once again quizzed over Blake’s death.

The Crown Prosecution Service subsequently decided there was not sufficient evidence to press ahead with charges and they were released.

As reported yesterday, the extended family of Blake is now pressing for a review of that decision in light of the SCR.