SHOCKING CRIME: LORNA AND CRAIG HEWITT OF SHEFFIELD LOCK AUTISTIC SON IN ATTIC FOR SEVEN MONTHS
In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Sheffield, a mother and her husband have been sentenced to prison for their heinous treatment of their autistic son.Lorna Hewitt, aged 43, and her husband Craig Hewitt, aged 42, residents of Walkley Road in Sheffield, were found guilty at Sheffield Crown Court last month after a thorough trial that uncovered the extent of their cruelty.
According to court proceedings, the couple kept their 22-year-old son, Matthew, confined in a small attic room for a period of seven months.
The room was described as being in a deplorable state, filled with rubbish and human feces, with no proper toilet or washing facilities available for Matthew’s use.
The conditions were so dire that the room became a prison, stripping him of basic human dignity and care.
During the trial, it was revealed that Matthew was deliberately kept isolated from the rest of the family, with food delivered to him in a box, as he was not permitted to eat with his family members.
Medical experts testified that during this period, Matthew’s caloric intake was alarmingly low, estimated to be only a few hundred calories daily, which contributed to his physical deterioration.
The horrific nature of the abuse came to light when paramedics responded to a call after Matthew collapsed at the family home in June of the previous year.
Emergency responders found him in a severely weakened state, covered in bruises and abrasions.
Medical assessments indicated that he was just days away from death.
His fingernails and toenails had grown excessively long, causing him pain, and his teeth were stained with orange plaque, indicating neglect and poor hygiene.
Upon arrival at the hospital, nursing staff had to undertake a thorough cleaning of Matthew’s body to remove dirt and debris.
Judge Michael Slater, presiding over the case, addressed the court during sentencing, emphasizing the severity of the crime.
He stated that during the seven months of captivity, Matthew likely experienced intense feelings of anxiety, confusion, anger, loneliness, and pain as he crawled around on his hands and knees in the filthy attic room.
The judge described the abuse as a “grave breach of trust,” highlighting the betrayal by a mother who was supposed to protect her son.
Further details revealed that at the time of Matthew’s collapse, both his mother and stepfather were suffering from mental health issues—Lorna Hewitt from anorexia and Craig Hewitt from depression.
Despite being aware of available support from social services and medical professionals, the couple failed to seek help or intervene, allowing Matthew’s condition to worsen in the attic.
Following the trial, South Yorkshire Police released disturbing images of the room where Matthew was kept prisoner, illustrating the appalling conditions he endured.
In her sentencing, Judge Slater condemned Lorna Hewitt for her role in causing or allowing serious injury to a vulnerable adult and for false imprisonment.
She was sentenced to six years in prison.
Similarly, Craig Hewitt received a six-year sentence for the same charges.
Both will serve up to half of their sentences in custody before being eligible for release on licence, reflecting the gravity of their crimes and the breach of trust involved.
