The parents of 15-year-old Daniel Twiggs have been sentenced to prison after their son tragically died while participating in a dangerous online choking challenge at their family home in Chippenham, Wiltshire.
Martyn Twiggs, 54, received a four-year prison sentence while his wife, Amanda Twiggs, 49, was sentenced to three years after both admitted to child cruelty charges. The court heard how the teenager was found unconscious in his bedroom while his parents were drinking alcohol downstairs.
A Preventable Tragedy
Prosecutors revealed that Daniel had been engaging in the lethal 'choking game' trend he discovered online. The practice involves self-asphyxiation to achieve a brief high, but tragically led to Daniel suffering a fatal cardiac arrest.
Emergency services rushed to the family home on February 11, 2022, after Daniel was discovered not breathing. Despite paramedics' efforts to save him, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Parents' Failure to Protect
The court heard disturbing details about the home environment. Both parents were described as having significant alcohol problems, with Martyn Twiggs consuming up to 18 cans of beer daily while his wife drank two bottles of wine each day.
Detective Inspector Phil Walker of Wiltshire Police stated: "This is one of the most tragic cases I have ever dealt with. Daniel was a vulnerable child who needed protection and care from his parents, who instead prioritised alcohol consumption."
Warning Signs Ignored
Evidence presented to the court showed Daniel had previously been taken to hospital after another choking incident, yet his parents failed to address the underlying behaviour or seek proper help for their son.
Judge Robert Pawson condemned the parents' "total and utter failure" in his sentencing remarks, noting they had created an environment where Daniel felt compelled to seek out dangerous online challenges.
A Call for Awareness
The case has sparked renewed warnings about the dangers of online challenges targeting young people. Authorities are urging parents to be vigilant about their children's online activities and to have open conversations about internet safety.
Daniel's story serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the very real consequences that can result from dangerous online trends and parental neglect.
