SHARP'S HORRIFIC CHILD ABUSE IN BRIGG AND LOUTH: A NIGHTMARE CHILDHOOD REVEALED

In a case that has shocked the local communities of Brigg and Louth, Caroline Sharp, aged 65, was found guilty of subjecting three young girls to a prolonged and brutal campaign of child cruelty spanning from June 1975 to June 1991. The disturbing details of her abuse emerged during a court hearing at Grimsby Crown Court, revealing a pattern of neglect, humiliation, and physical mistreatment that has left lasting scars on her victims.

According to the prosecution, led by Gordon Stables, Sharp was the biological mother of one of the girls and the stepmother to the other two, whose biological mother had died in 1973. Initially residing in Louth, Sharp later moved her residence to Cleethorpes, Barnetby, and most recently to Glebe Road in Brigg. The heinous acts came to light in March 2015 when one of the stepdaughters bravely approached the police, revealing the extent of her suffering.

She described her life under Sharp’s care as a nightmare, recounting how she was forced into a state of slavery, deprived of basic necessities such as food and hygiene. The girl explained that she was so hungry she resorted to stealing food from cupboards, only to be met with physical punishment from Sharp whenever caught. The two stepdaughters were too frightened to ask for food openly, often going to school hungry and returning to be served cold, congealed porridge from the previous day’s breakfast. In some cases, they were left without any nourishment from Friday evening until Monday morning, highlighting the extent of their neglect.

One of the victims vividly recalled an incident in Barnetby where she was compelled to drink water from the toilet bowl because she was not allowed to have any drinks. She was also denied access to bathing or washing facilities for extended periods, with one girl being forbidden from bathing for as long as six weeks. During this time, she was not permitted to use a toothbrush or any sanitary products when she started her periods, forcing her to use newspaper or toilet paper instead. She described feeling ashamed, likening her appearance to that of a tramp, with holes in her shoes and wearing wellington boots during the summer months.

The other stepdaughter shared her own traumatic memories, recalling a childhood devoid of any joyful moments. She remembered being physically beaten and starved, often resorting to stealing food during the night to quell her hunger. Both girls described their childhood as a “nightmare,” with one referring to themselves and the other as “tramps” and “a mess.” She also suffered from constant nits and was subjected to mental abuse by Sharp. The girls were forced to spend hours working in the garden and performing household chores, which further contributed to their emotional distress. One of the victims described herself as an “emotional wreck,” overwhelmed by the abuse she endured.

The second stepdaughter recounted witnessing her mother treating the other two girls as slaves, describing her childhood as filled with hunger and fear. She was too frightened to steal food herself but was force-fed egg sandwiches and fatty mince, which made her sick, much to Sharp’s amusement. Sharp deliberately dressed her children in unfashionable clothing, giving them the opposite of what others had, and belittled them constantly. When arrested, Sharp admitted to the police, expressing remorse and saying, “I know I’m not a nice person. If I could turn back the clock, I would love them. I’m very, very sorry. I’m not proud of it.”

Judge Paul Watson QC addressed the court, emphasizing that Sharp’s involvement with the girls began shortly after the death of their mother, and that their childhood was “truly the childhood of nightmares.” He condemned her actions, stating that she had abused, humiliated, belittled, and neglected her stepdaughters, depriving them of the parental care and affection they deserved. The judge highlighted that Sharp’s cruelty extended beyond neglect of food and hygiene; she also rejected her own daughter and degraded her in the same manner.

He described the children as being used as slaves, with no love or care shown to them throughout their formative years. The lasting impact of Sharp’s actions was evident, as each girl now faces long-term psychological difficulties requiring ongoing therapeutic counseling. The court sentenced Sharp to two years in prison, a punishment that brought tears to the eyes of the victims, who were present in court to witness her being led away. The case has left a profound mark on the community, shining a light on the hidden suffering endured by these young girls at the hands of someone they once trusted.