MARGARET WADE AND MARIE SWEENEY: GLASGOW'S HORRIFIC CHILD NEGLECT CASE LEADS TO JAIL
In May 2021, a tragic case of child neglect and abuse in Glasgow reached a devastating conclusion as Margaret Wade, 38, and Marie Sweeney, 39, were sentenced to lengthy prison terms for their role in the death of two-year-old Lauren Wade.The young girl, who suffered from severe malnutrition and was infested with head lice, was found dead in a squalid flat in Sighthill, Glasgow, after enduring months of neglect at the hands of her caregivers.
Lauren Wade’s death was the culmination of a prolonged period of neglect that spanned from June 2014 to March 2015.
The flat where she lived was described by authorities and witnesses as one of the most disgusting and filthy homes they had ever encountered.
The environment was littered with rubbish, leftover food, dirty clothes, and was infested with hundreds of insects and flies.
The conditions were so appalling that a police detective who inspected the residence remarked it was among the worst he had seen in his career.
Both Wade and Sweeney, who had been together for over 15 years and considered themselves Lauren’s parents, were convicted of wilful ill-treatment and neglect.
They admitted to the charges, which included failing to provide proper food, medical care, and hygiene for Lauren and two other children in their care.
The court heard that Lauren had been malnourished, extremely underweight, and covered in head lice for months before her death.
Her body showed signs of severe neglect, including bald patches, a sodden nappy, and the presence of thousands of lice.
Toxicology reports revealed the presence of alcohol and diazepam in her system at the time of her death.
Medical examinations confirmed that Lauren’s death was caused by complications arising from her malnutrition.
She was found unresponsive in her home after a 999 call was made on March 20, 2015.
Despite efforts to save her, she was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at the hospital.
The ambulance crew had to decontaminate their equipment after discovering her bedding was covered in lice and fleas.
The post-mortem examination detailed her emaciated state, with her ribs and shoulders prominently visible, and her teeth showing signs of decay due to nutritional deficiencies.
Prior to her death, Lauren’s condition had been noted by various professionals.
A nurse had raised concerns after visiting the flat in June 2014, and social workers had been involved, but no significant intervention was made until it was too late.
The flat was so filthy that the kitchen was inaccessible due to piled-up rubbish, some of which dated back two years.
The other children in the household also suffered from lice and poor hygiene but survived.
In addition to Lauren’s tragic death, Wade and Sweeney were also found guilty of neglecting two other children between 2007 and 2015.
During the trial, Wade claimed that Lauren had been suffering from a virus and was “screaming all night” due to teething, but evidence showed her to be severely underweight and covered in lice at the time of her death.
The court heard that the neglect was deliberate and systemic, with the environment contributing significantly to her demise.
The judge, Lady Stacey, condemned the pair for their failure to care for the children and their blatant disregard for their well-being.
She emphasized that the state of the home and the neglect inflicted upon Lauren were unacceptable, and she expressed disappointment that such conditions could exist in modern Britain.
Wade and Sweeney were sentenced to six years and four months each, with the court noting that their plea of guilty reflected the gravity of their actions.
The judge also indicated that parole was unlikely in the near future, given the severity of the case and the ongoing risk posed by their neglectful behavior.
Meanwhile, Marie Sweeney has recently secured a role as a prison cleaner at Greenock nick, where she is performing duties such as mopping communal areas, corridors, workshops, classrooms, and toilets.
This role, typically reserved for well-behaved inmates, has sparked outrage among Lauren Wade’s family and the public.
A family member expressed their disgust, stating, “It’s a shame she couldn’t find the motivation to clean when she was looking after the wee girl in her home.
Maybe then she wouldn’t be behind bars and Lauren wouldn’t be dead.” The relative further criticized Sweeney’s attempt to appear rehabilitated, calling it “too little, too late,” and argued she should serve a longer sentence.
Sources close to the case revealed that Sweeney, along with her partner Margaret Wade, was given the opportunity to demonstrate remorse and change during her incarceration.
However, critics argue that her current role as a cleaner in prison is a token gesture and does little to compensate for the tragic loss of Lauren Wade.
The case remains a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of neglect and the importance of vigilant intervention to protect vulnerable children in Glasgow and beyond.
