MATTHEW CARTWRIGHT AND MARLA EVERETT FROM GRIMSBY SENTENCED AFTER CHILDREN FOUND LIVING IN HORRIFIC SQUALOR

In a disturbing case that shocked the community of Grimsby, the parents responsible for the welfare of three young boys have been sentenced to prison after police uncovered a scene of utter neglect and filth within their flat. The investigation revealed that the children, aged just one, nearly two, and three, had been subjected to living conditions that were nothing short of appalling, with the flat filled with rotting food, flies, faeces, beer cans, cigarette ends, and general debris, creating an environment of extreme squalor.

According to court reports, the odorous stench of excrement, urine, mould, and alcohol permeated the entire flat, which was described as a 'horrendous mess.' The scene was so repulsive that it drew the attention of a concerned eyewitness, Wendy Russell, who noticed a two-year-old boy on July 10, 2014, on a small balcony of a third-floor flat on Hope Street in Grimsby. The child was swinging his legs through the metal bars of the balcony, crying and screaming, attempting to get back inside. Mrs. Russell observed him banging on the door and swinging on a washing line, dangerously close to falling or pulling himself over the railing.

Fearing for the child's safety, Mrs. Russell stayed to monitor the situation until police arrived. When PC Peter Mills responded to the scene, he found the flat locked and unresponsive. Forced entry revealed a scene of chaos: the officer was met with a foul smell of excrement, flies swarming the room, and rubbish scattered across the hallway. Inside, Cartwright was found asleep, with another young boy playing at his feet. The flat was in a state of utter disarray, with used nappies, soiled wipes, takeaway containers, empty beer cans, bottles, and cigarette ends strewn across the floor.

PC Mills had to navigate through the debris to reach the patio, where he rescued the child, an act that was met with applause from onlookers below. It was evident that Cartwright, aged 39, was intoxicated, having consumed between eight and ten pints of lager, and was possibly under the influence of drugs. Meanwhile, Everett, aged 32, appeared drowsy and was also under the influence of substances, with visible smears of excrement on her neck and bra strap. The kitchen was equally appalling, containing rotting food, dirty clothes, tyres, and faeces, with opened tins of mouldy food and a virtually empty fridge and cupboards. The smell was described as almost unbearable.

In the children’s bedroom, the scene was equally disturbing. Debris, including bicycle parts, mouldy cloths, a pushchair with a mouldy mattress, and cloths covered in faeces, cluttered the space. The overpowering stench of urine, faeces, mould, and alcohol made it impossible for the children to have a proper place to sleep. The bath and sink were unusable, filled with clutter, and the entire flat was in a state of neglect. A puppy was seen running around the premises, adding to the chaos.

Following the discovery, the three boys were removed from the unsafe environment and placed into foster care. Both Cartwright and Everett faced charges of cruelty to the children, to which they pleaded guilty. Judge David Tremberg sentenced Cartwright to 15 months in prison and Everett to one year, publicly naming them to ensure the case was fully reported. The judge condemned their actions, stating that they had abandoned their children to live in squalor, prioritizing their own selfish needs over the welfare of their vulnerable offspring.

Judge Tremberg emphasized that the children had been left to fend for themselves in conditions that were neglectful, ill-treatment, and potentially harmful. He pointed out that the neglect had likely been ongoing since the last social services visit on June 12, and that the parents’ failure to care for their children was both wilful and multi-faceted.

During the hearing, mitigation was presented: Richard Hackfath argued that Cartwright suffered from deep inadequacies and struggled with drug and alcohol problems, which impaired his ability to care for the children. It was noted that, despite the conditions, the children had not suffered physical harm or malnutrition and had received medical attention. Steven Freestone, representing Everett, acknowledged her 'woefully neglectful' parenting, though he stressed it was not deliberate and that she had shown remorse. It was also revealed that Everett had recently given birth to a fourth child, fathered by Cartwright, who was also taken into foster care.

The case highlighted the widespread issue of neglect in North East Lincolnshire, with the NSPCC reporting that over 500 children had been investigated for neglect in the past year, many of whom faced serious abuse. The campaign 'Neglect Matters' aims to raise awareness and encourage community action to protect vulnerable children.

As part of the proceedings, Judge Tremberg awarded £100 to Wendy Russell from public funds in recognition of her courageous and public-spirited intervention. For those concerned about child welfare or seeking support, the NSPCC helpline is available 24/7 at 0808 800 5000, via email at [email protected], or by texting 88858. Additional support can be obtained through the North East Lincolnshire Family Information Service at 0800 1830317.