A SOCIAL worker has denied she quit rather than be sacked after the murder of baby Aaron O'Neil.

Lisa Chamber, 43 revealed she is planning to sue Newcastle City Council for constructive dismissal.

Three-month-old Aaron was tortured to death by his father, Paul O'Neil, 33, of Kenton, in Newcastle. He was jailed on Friday for a minimum of 22 years for murder

A report released after the trial criticised the authorities for failing to protect the baby.

Ms Chambers, who had been one of those involved in Aaron's case, resigned but a colleague, health visitor, Christine Thompson, was fired.

But Ms Chambers insisted she only quit because of her poor treatment from Newcastle City Council.

She added that since the authority had released her name in connection with the case: "I want to come out and clear my name because I have done nothing wrong.

Ms Chambers claimed that after submitting her resignation she had received a letter from Catherine Fitt, Newcastle City Council's executive director of children's services, stating she hoped "I would reconsider my decision. I have letters stating I had done nothing wrong".

"They are blaming me because I am an easy target. But it is Newcastle City Council who have failed," said Ms Chambers.

In response, the city council said Ms Chambers had been taken off child protection duties following the death of Aaron O'Neil on a non-prejudicial basis pending an investigation.

But before the investigation was completed, Ms Chambers resigned despite advice and so avoided disciplinary action. Her claim would, said the statement, be "vigorously contested".