Parents jailed 23 years for starving and imprisoning child in Essex

Summarised from 4 outlets · Updated 26 Oct, 11:57 · Archive

Two parents have been jailed for a combined 23 years after deliberately starving a child and keeping him imprisoned in a small room in Essex. The pair were convicted of grievous bodily harm with intent at Ipswich Crown Court in what Essex Police described as a landmark investigation. Neither defendant can be named because of legal restrictions protecting the boy's identity and wellbeing.

The boy was found in the Colchester area in May 2020 after police and social services became involved. He was taken to hospital critically underweight and malnourished. Police said his BMI was dangerously low and 'incompatible with life'. Doctors suggested any delay in him receiving medical attention could have proved fatal.

The child had been deliberately starved and neglected between January and May 2020. He was isolated in a small room without sufficient food, stimulation for his development, or a comfortable and warm place to sleep. The room was little more than 'a cupboard with a window', with green tarpaulin covering the floor instead of carpet and the door locked from the outside. Officers discovered photographs and videos showing the severe neglect and starvation.

When found, the boy was unsteady on his feet, frequently shook and had suffered significant muscle wastage. He spent a long period in hospital and continues to physically recover. He has undergone several years of psychological support and treatment and is now living in a safe and loving environment.

How it is being reported

• Colchester couple who starved child in locked 'cupboard' for months are jailedThe child had been “deliberately starved” and “kept prisoner” in a room which he described as “little more than a cupboard with a window”EssexLive · 26 Oct, 12:25
• Parents jailed in landmark case after child ‘deliberately starved’ and kept prisonerTwo parents jailed for 23 years after deliberately starving and imprisoning a boy in Essex. Convicted of GBH with intent at Ipswich Crown Court.Colchester Gazette · 26 Oct, 11:13
• Parents jailed in landmark case after child ‘deliberately starved’ and kept prisonerTwo parents jailed for 23 years after deliberately starving and imprisoning a boy in Essex. Convicted of GBH with intent at Ipswich Crown Court.Echo (Basildon) · 26 Oct, 11:13
• Parents jailed in landmark case after child ‘deliberately starved’ and kept prisonerTwo parents jailed for 23 years after deliberately starving and imprisoning a boy in Essex. Convicted of GBH with intent at Ipswich Crown Court.Brentwood Guardian · 26 Oct, 11:13

In this story: Colchester · Essex · Ipswich Crown Court · Essex Police

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