LAWYERS representing Baby P's "stepfather" confirmed they may appeal against his conviction of raping a two-year-old girl.

The appeal could focus on the reliability of the victim's evidence because of her age.

The girl, now four, was the prosecution's main witness and is one of the youngest victims to testify in a criminal trial at the Old Bailey.

When questioned by barristers during the trial, the four-year-old's testimony was filled with long silences and she often failed to answer questions.

The defendant, who Baby P called "dad", was the boyfriend of Baby P's mother, but cannot be named for legal reasons. He now faces a life sentence after being found guilty of the rape on Friday.

Tim Bittlestone, of Leslie Franks Solicitors, which acted for the man, said: "We will go through the process with this client as we do with every client.

"We presented his defence fearlessly as we are required to do so by the rules and now we will consider the possibilities with him as to any appeal as we do with all defendants."

Baby P or Peter's mother was found not guilty of cruelty against the girl.

The pair had been tried under false names so jurors would not connect them with their roles in the death of Peter, who was found dead last November with a broken back and fractured ribs.

The toddler rape victim, like Peter, had been on the at-risk register of Haringey council in north London.

The defendant 32, had been convicted along with lodger Jason Owen, 36, of causing or allowing Peter's death.

Peter's mother, 27, pleaded guilty to the same charge.

Peter had 50 injuries and died despite having had 60 contacts with health and social workers over the final eight months of his life.

Owen and Peter's mother will be sentenced for their role in his death on May 21.

The "stepfather" will be sentenced for his role in Peter's death and for the rape of the two-year-old on May 22.