WORTHING COUPLE MARC WEARING AND CHARLOTTE BOND SENTENCED OVER CHILD CRUELTY IN FILTHY FLAT

In a disturbing case that shocked the local community of Worthing, a couple has been sentenced for their involvement in severe child cruelty. The incident came to light when police officers responded to a distress call regarding the living conditions of two young children, who were found in a state of extreme neglect and filth in a flat located on Littlehampton Road, Salvington, Worthing.

On the 25th of March last year, authorities arrived at the scene after reports of a foul smell and an overwhelming presence of flies emanating from the residence. The officers discovered that the flat was in a deplorable state, with the environment described as the worst they had encountered in their careers. The interior was cluttered with rubbish, including rotting food left on kitchen surfaces, and the walls were stained with human excrement. Numerous black bin bags filled with waste and excrement were strewn across the premises, contributing to the nauseating atmosphere. The smell was so overpowering that it led some local residents to believe there might be a dead body inside.

Inside the flat, police found two children, aged between one and five years old, living amidst these appalling conditions. The children were immediately removed from the environment and taken into protective custody. Fortunately, both children are reported to be in good health and are currently receiving the necessary care and support to recover from their ordeal.

Later, at Lewes Crown Court on Wednesday, 23 March, the two adults responsible for the children’s welfare, Marc Wearing, aged 28, and Charlotte Bond, aged 26, appeared before the judge. They had previously pleaded guilty to charges related to child cruelty during an earlier hearing. The court sentenced each of them to two years in prison, but the sentences were suspended for two years, meaning they will not serve time unless they commit further offenses within that period. Additionally, both were ordered to complete 300 hours of community service and 30 days of rehabilitation work. Wearing was also mandated to pay £450 in court costs.

Judge Christine Laing delivered a stern warning during the sentencing, emphasizing the gravity of their neglect. She stated, “The first thing you should have done was seek help from parents or friends, but you did not.” The judge further admonished the defendants to cease their selfish behavior and to prioritize the well-being of children over their own needs, highlighting the seriousness of their failure to provide a safe and hygienic environment for the young victims.