A mother and her partner have been condemned to prison after their two-year-old son was rescued from a squalid home where he was found crawling with maggots, in what a judge described as a case of 'appalling' neglect.
Dexter Wilton, 21, and Andrew Campbell, 43, were sentenced at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court after pleading guilty to child neglect. The court heard how police and social services discovered the toddler in conditions of unimaginable filth during a home visit in May 2023.
A House of Horrors
Officers were confronted with a scene of utter deprivation. The child was found in a soiled nappy that was teeming with maggots, with more insects discovered in his filthy clothing. The home itself was littered with rotting food, discarded packaging, and dirt, creating a hazardous environment for the vulnerable toddler.
Prosecutor Lynette McClement detailed the shocking state of the property, describing how the child was 'caked in dirt' and surrounded by putrefying waste. The neglect was so severe it prompted immediate intervention from authorities.
Sentencing and Condemnation
Judge David Fletcher handed down a 27-month prison sentence to Wilton, the child's mother. Her partner, Campbell, received a 26-month sentence. Both will be required to serve half of their term in custody before being released on licence.
In his damning verdict, Judge Fletcher stated: "This is a bad case of its type. It is a case of prolonged neglect. It is a case where there was a clear acceptance of the way you were living and the way your child was being treated."
A Child's Recovery
The court was informed that the child has since been placed in the care of other family members and is making excellent progress, demonstrating the profound impact of a safe and nurturing environment.
An NSPCC spokesperson emphasised the gravity of the case: "This was a sickening case of neglect which saw a young child living in appalling conditions. All children deserve to grow up in a safe and loving environment."
The case has raised serious questions about child safeguarding procedures and serves as a stark reminder of the vital role community awareness plays in protecting the most vulnerable members of society.
