Doncaster neglect couple kept children in 'disgusting' conditions - police

A couple who neglected two children and made them live in squalor because they were "pure lazy" have been jailed.

John Cowley and girlfriend Brooke Carr, both of Doncaster, told police their house was untidy because they could not be bothered to clean.

The children, who have been placed into care, lived in "horrendous" conditions, a social worker told police.

Cowley and Carr admitted neglect and were jailed for two years and three months and two years respectively.

Sheffield Crown Court heard Cowley, 37, and Carr, 28, had been visited by police in May 2021 after a referral by the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC).

Cowley initially refused to allow the officers access to the house, but upon entry they discovered it in a "disgusting" state.

An investigation by South Yorkshire Police found Cowley and Carr had failed to look after the two children's hygiene and seek medical assistance for illnesses caused by their lack of care.

When asked why the house was so dirty, Cowley told police: "I'm not going to sugar-coat it, we were both just pure lazy."

'No regard for their welfare'

The pair, of Edlington, pleaded guilty to two counts of child neglect in October 2023.

Det Insp Simon Leake, of South Yorkshire Police, said the couple had "absolutely no regard for the welfare of the two children".

The conditions were "disgusting", "unsafe" and caused the children to "become ill", he added.

"We are glad the children are now receiving appropriate care and support."

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