KERRY RYBAK AND DARREN STANLEY FROM BENTLEY SENTENCED FOR CHILD NEGLECT IN DONCASTER

In a disturbing case that has shocked the local community, Kerry Rybak, aged 27, and Darren Stanley, aged 26, both residents of Bentley, faced serious allegations of child neglect that culminated in their appearance at Sheffield Crown Court in January 2018. The case centered around the appalling conditions of their two-year-old child's bedroom, which was described as a scene of neglect and squalor, prompting intervention from social services and law enforcement authorities.

According to court reports, the situation was so dire that photographs were released by the Crown Prosecution Service and South Yorkshire Police to illustrate the extent of the neglect. These images depicted a room that was almost entirely bare, containing only a filthy, bare mattress. The walls were smeared with feces, and the overall state of the room was described as disgusting and uninhabitable. The window was obstructed by two broken pieces of bed frame, which were used to hold a grimy black curtain in place. The floor was littered with wrappers and debris, highlighting the neglect and lack of basic care.

Legal proceedings revealed that social workers from Doncaster Council had entered the property in Bentley after concerns were raised about the welfare of the children. The investigation was prompted by the fact that Rybak was pregnant at the time and had not maintained adequate contact with social services. During the initial assessment, social workers found the two-year-old wandering around the house wearing only a T-shirt and without a nappy, indicating neglect and poor supervision. The condition of the downstairs area was also described as being in a state of disrepair and filth.

Ian West, the prosecutor, explained that social workers became increasingly worried after their initial visit and conducted a more thorough inspection of the home. The findings were alarming: the child's bedroom was in a deplorable state, with feces on the walls, and the overall environment suggested ongoing neglect over a significant period. The photographs taken during the investigation provided stark evidence of the conditions the child was subjected to.

Further inquiries led to police involvement, and both Rybak and Stanley were interviewed. During their interviews, they admitted that they were overwhelmed and unable to cope with the responsibilities of caring for their children. The court was also informed that the neglected child was developmentally below average, which underscored the severity of the neglect. The child was subsequently taken into care, along with a newborn baby born several months later, as authorities deemed it unsafe for the children to remain in the home.

Judge Sarah Wright presided over the case and addressed the court, stating, “There was no real support from the family and it is very clear you struggled to be parents. You reached the conclusion that you couldn’t care for your children.” The judge noted the emotional distress of the defendants, who sobbed throughout the hearing. Both Rybak and Stanley pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing to the charges of child neglect.

In sentencing, Judge Wright handed down a sentence of 16 months in prison for each defendant, but the sentences were suspended for two years. This means that they will not serve time unless they commit further offenses within that period. As part of their rehabilitation, both individuals are required to participate in a court-ordered rehabilitation program, aimed at addressing the issues that led to their neglectful behavior. The case has served as a stark reminder of the importance of child welfare and the responsibilities of parents to provide a safe and nurturing environment for their children in Bentley and beyond.