A mother’s brutal murder may have been prevented had agencies including police, social services and mental health workers not missed opportunities to step in, a new report has said.

But it remains unclear as to whether social workers altered computer records to cover up their lack of action.

Charito “Che” Cruz was hammered to death by boyfriend Asad Niazi on September 26, 2011, in front of their two-year-old daughter at their home in Cambridge Road, Kingston.

More than three years on, a review of agency responses has finally been published – and accuses Kingston Council social workers of “unacceptable” complacency in the days before Ms Cruz’s murder.

The report, by leading domestic violence campaigner Davina James-Hanman, reveals:

* Staff from South West London and St George’s mental health trust conducted a psychiatric assessment of Niazi at McDonald’s in Kingston

* Social workers did not log records of referrals from the NSPCC until the day after her death

* A social work team leader decided Niazi showing his daughter a pornographic video was not significant

* Police offered Ms Cruz a place in a refuge, support with housing and a panic alarm, but she declined them all

But it does not shed light on an alleged cover-up by social workers, as claimed by a whistleblower in January 2013.

Olivia Butler, a former head of Kingston’s social services, told the BBC that social work managers altered records and NSPCC referrals the day after Ms Cruz’s death “to cover up the lack of action and proper response”.

ARCHIVE: Kingston Council leader criticises Charito Cruz whistleblower

 

Surrey Comet: Asad Niazi said he had "lost control" and should be cleared of murder but the jury rejected his defence

Killer Asad Niazi

Ms James-Hanman said in her report, which refers to Ms Cruz as “Agapito”, says: "Although much has changed since, this homicide acts as a timely reminder of the necessity of maintaining consistently high standards.

"A particular feature of this case is the rapid escalation and in considering all of the available evidence, it is difficult to see how this could have been predicted but the question remains open as to whether more robust responses may have prevented Agapito’s death."

CHARITO CRUZ MURDER REVIEW

Truth about social worker cover up may never be  known

Killer met health workers for psychiatric assessment in McDonald's

Kingston Council social workers 'were not sacked'

Killer showing daughter pornography deemed 'insiginificant'

Charities change practices in wake  of killing

Timeline: The missed chances to protect Charito Cruz

Archive: Three year wait for Charito Cruz murder report