AARON O'Neil only lived for 92 days. And the suffering he endured during his tragic, brief life is unimaginable.

It was bad enough that he had a father capable of torturing him to death and a mother prepared to turn a blind eye.

But what has made an already horrific case even more distressing is the revelation that baby Aaron was shamefully let down by the authorities.

Social services and health staff were aware that Paul O'Neil posed a risk to children. He had a violent nature, beating his partners and being abusive to his five other children.

There were further serious question marks over Aaron's mother, yet nothing was done to prevent her baby from being subjected to such sadistic abuse that he had 37 visible injuries when doctors examined his body.

An investigation ordered by Newcastle Social Services has produced a damning report by an independent childcare expert and a plan has been speedily put into action. It is too little, too late.

Following the Victoria Climbie case, far-reaching lessons were supposed to have been learned. But the murder of baby Aaron, involving such scandalous failures in care, suggests that serious flaws remain in the system.

The professionals involved could not even share vital information adequately - information that should have saved baby Aaron from a truly terrible death.

These latest lessons must not just be learned by Newcastle Social Services - Health Secretary Patricia Hewitt must ensure they are heeded nationwide.