BLACKPOOL PARENTS BARRY JONES AND MICHELLE KING SENTENCED FOR MANSLAUGHTER OF 2-YEAR-OLD DAUGHTER
In a tragic case that has shocked the community of Blackpool, the parents of a young girl who tragically lost her life due to accidental poisoning have been sentenced to prison.The incident occurred at their residence on Jameson Street, where the two-year-old girl, Sophie Jones, ingested a lethal amount of methadone, a heroin substitute prescribed to her mother, Michelle King.
On December 2014, both parents faced justice for their role in Sophie’s death.
Barry Jones, aged 42, was convicted of manslaughter and child cruelty during a trial at Preston Crown Court in November.
Michelle King, aged 30, had previously admitted to manslaughter, acknowledging her part in the child's death during an earlier hearing.
The court heard harrowing details about the neglect and dangerous environment in which Sophie was raised.
It was revealed that the couple prioritized their drug use over the safety and well-being of their young daughter.
Evidence showed that Sophie was exposed to illicit substances, including heroin and cocaine, within the confines of their home.
Police investigations uncovered that the methadone, which ultimately led to Sophie’s death, was left within her reach in a child's cup, making it accessible to her.
Specifically, the methadone was stored in a beaker decorated with Tom and Jerry characters, which was identical to a cup the child used regularly.
Police reports indicated that the drug was not kept in a secure container, but rather in a place where a toddler could easily access it.
Additionally, a significant number of fruit juice bottles containing traces of methadone were found discarded in a bin nearby, further illustrating the neglectful environment.
Prosecutor Simon Medland QC emphasized that the drug was stored in a manner that was dangerously accessible to Sophie, highlighting the tragic consequences of the couple’s reckless behavior.
During the trial, it was also revealed that the couple was involved in a small-scale operation, earning approximately £300 a month from selling methadone to other drug users.
The drug was prescribed to Michelle King as part of her efforts to overcome her addiction, but instead, it became a source of danger for her own child.
Judge Mrs Justice Carr described the case as “difficult to think of more extreme negligence,” condemning the parents’ actions and attitude towards their child's safety.
Wendy Lloyd from the Crown Prosecution Service stated that the couple demonstrated an “utter disregard” for Sophie’s well-being.
She further explained that the chaotic lifestyles and ongoing drug use of the defendants created a “tragedy waiting to happen,” which tragically culminated in Sophie’s death.
Following the sentencing, Blackpool Safeguarding Children Board announced that it is conducting a serious case review into Sophie’s death.
The review aims to understand the circumstances surrounding her tragic passing and is expected to provide a comprehensive report in the upcoming year.
Blackpool Council confirmed that Sophie was not on the “at risk” register nor was she known to social services prior to her death, raising concerns about the adequacy of safeguarding measures in place at the time.
