Parents Jailed For Care Failings

A serious case review has been launched after a couple from Gloucestershire were jailed for neglecting five of their children.

The mother was sentenced to two years and nine months in prison and the father was imprisoned for two years after they both pleaded guilty to neglecting the children between 2007 and 2012.

Police arrested the couple after their youngest child was taken to hospital with severe nappy rash, with a search of their house then highlighting a range of significant concerns – from dirty carpets and walls to rubbish and clothes lying across the property.

Charges related to their four other children will lie on file.

Detective Inspector Katy Miles, from Gloucestershire Police, described the problems as “the most horrific case of child neglect the team has dealt with”.

Expert Opinion

The shocking revelations details regarding this child neglect case are incredibly worrying and a serious case review will prove hugely important in providing answers as to how these issues were able to emerge. <br/> <br/>"We act in a number of cases with similar circumstances, so understand that abuse and neglect can have an enormous impact on the physical and psychological health of children. As a result, it is key that those affected in this case continue to get the support they need to move on following the conditions they have faced. <br/> <br/>"The wider priority is ensuring that lessons can be learned which will mean that authorities are able to do everything possible to prevent these issues from emerging again in the future." Tracey Storey - Partner