UK couple jailed for 6 years for leaving children uncared for with 35 dogs in house
A couple in the United Kingdom’s East Sussex was jailed on Monday for the ill-treatment of their children by leaving them uncared with 35 dogs in a house.
The accused, Christopher Bennett (35) and Gemma Brogan (41), were sentenced to six years in jail after pleading guilty at Lewes Crown Court to seven counts of child neglect.
The couple, who used to receive 7,000 euros a month (nearly 57,000 rupees) to take care of children, did not spend a penny on their well-being, noted the court which ordered their sentence.
The couple had a toxic relationship and it was one of their domestic incidents which led the police to their house. Upon entering the house, the police officers found 35 dogs piling on each other, huddling around and jumping over the children — aged between four to 17.
One of the officials who went to the house said, “It is impossible to paint an accurate picture of the full extent of degradation and filth these vulnerable children had to endure. It is unequivocally one of the most awful addresses I have ever been in.”
According to a report in The Telegraph, the youngest children were found to be “pale and underweight”, and they were unable to sit at a table on their own.
Judge Stephen Mooney, who was hearing the case, said, “It is impossible for any person to comprehend the enormity of your failings.
“Whatever was going on in their relationship, they should have been looking after those children. How do you have 35 dogs, £7,000 in benefits? How is this allowed to happen?” Mooney was quoted as saying by The Telegraph.
The police also said that some of the children did not know how to read or write and even how to wash themselves.
The couple has also been booked for animal cruelty in the past.
