JOHN SHERRINGTON AND LAVINIA ADAMS FROM SUTTON SENTENCED FOR CHILD'S FATAL CRUELTY

In a tragic case that has shocked the community of Sutton, a couple was sentenced yesterday for their involvement in the death of an 18-month-old girl, Sarah Adams. The incident, which took place in December 1997, revealed a disturbing pattern of abuse and neglect that ultimately led to the child's fatal injuries.

John Sherrington, aged 33, and Lavinia Adams, aged 32, appeared before the Old Bailey in London to face charges related to cruelty and the death of Sarah. The court sentenced Sherrington to seven years in prison, while Adams received a five-year term. The maximum penalty for cruelty in such cases is ten years. During the proceedings, it was acknowledged that one of the two must have been responsible for Sarah’s death, but due to legal technicalities, the court could not definitively assign blame to either individual.

Earlier in the trial, both defendants had decided to halt proceedings on the second day and pleaded guilty to charges of cruelty. This decision followed the presentation of a distressing tape recording played to the jury, which captured the screams and sobs of the young girl. The recording was made by Sherrington himself, who was seen holding Sarah in a judo leglock during the recorded incident. The court was shown evidence of repeated injuries inflicted upon Sarah while she was in the care of the accused.

Judge Richard Hawkins QC commented on the case, stating, “It is quite uncertain whose act or acts caused Sarah’s death,” but emphasized that “it is clear from the evidence that whilst in your joint care, Sarah was repeatedly injured.” The judge described Sherrington as a “Jekyll and Hyde character,” noting his callous remarks about Sarah, whom he referred to as a “scraggy doll.”

Further disturbing evidence revealed that Sherrington attempted to force Sarah to drink a mixture of soap, bleach, and paint, telling her on the tape, “It’s a nice drink.” As the abuse continued, the court heard that Lavinia Adams was making a shopping list, later telling police she was “frightened” during the ordeal. Despite Sarah lying in a state of suffering, with bite marks and extensive bruising, the court found that the fatal injury was a skull fracture, which ultimately caused her death.

Sherrington, a bank messenger from Sutton, Surrey, initially denied six charges of cruelty but later admitted to three. Adams, also from Sutton, was said to suffer from mild mental retardation and initially denied four charges but subsequently admitted to three counts of cruelty. The court’s verdict underscores the tragic consequences of neglect and abuse within a family setting, leaving a community in mourning and demanding reflection on child protection measures.