MISTAKES can be made, errors slip through and bad things happen.

That the world is not perfect is accepted. But communities expect those who govern and are given the task of protecting the weak and the vulnerable will do their utmost to learn lessons and act in their best interest.

This does not appear to be the case, as we report today, when those in authority looked into the deaths of two vulnerable young boys in Southampton.

As this paper explained yesterday and with more revelations today, Jayden and Bradley Adams died under strange circumstances just months apart. Their mother, Shelly Adams, had made desperate pleas for help from the authorities. They failed to assist, even after one child was found dead. After his brother also died those in authority did finally investigate but found no case for manslaughter or murder. But they did find that the boys’ mother was guilty of appalling cruelty and neglect. Yet no action was taken against her.

We must ask why? Indeed it is only now, after this paper made enquiries, we are told the Crown Prosecution Service is to look again at the case. This is to be welcomed. But why has it taken so long?

Public confidence in those in authority is what is at stake here, along naturally with justice for two dead boys.