MICHELLE AND STEPHANIE HOPKINS FROM CAVERSHAM SENTENCED FOR CHILD CRUELTY AND SADISTIC ABUSE

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Caversham, a couple has been sentenced to prison for their involvement in severe child cruelty and abuse. Michelle Hopkins, aged 33, and Stephanie Hopkins, aged 32, both residents of Nire Road in Caversham, were found guilty of subjecting two young children to a series of brutal and sadistic acts between the years 2011 and 2012.

According to court reports, the abuse was both prolonged and deeply disturbing. The children were reportedly confined in a single room for extended periods, during which one of the children was forced to urinate on the floor due to being kept inside for so long. The severity of the mistreatment was further exemplified by the fact that a toy belonging to one of the children was burned on a barbecue grill, an act that highlights the cruelty inflicted upon the young victims.

Additionally, the older child was subjected to physical violence, including being punched in the face. The court heard that both women admitted to some of the allegations during a previous hearing, specifically acknowledging two counts of cruelty to children under the age of 16. Prosecutor Lisa Goddard detailed the allegations, revealing that the abuse occurred over a period spanning from 2011 to 2012.

One of the most distressing aspects of the case involved the older child's account of being threatened with being taken to a place where “people would have sex” with them. The child confided in an adult that they had been punched and strangled, and had also been smacked on the bottom and mouth by Stephanie Hopkins. The court described the women’s conduct as “bordering on the sadistic,” emphasizing the severity and malicious nature of their actions.

During the proceedings, it was revealed that both women cooperated with police and provided statements that confirmed some of the allegations, including the incident involving the toy. Stephanie Hopkins’s defense lawyer, David Lyons, argued that she had entered a plea early in the process and maintained her stance, admitting to some of the acts but denying others. Lyons contended that the toy incident involved a toy that was only acquired three weeks prior and that the act did not constitute sadistic behavior, describing the assaults as simple common assault without injury.

Michelle Hopkins’s defense lawyer, Marilyn Vitte, expressed her client’s remorse, stating that Michelle was “incredibly remorseful of her behaviour throughout the incidents.” Vitte also highlighted Michelle’s health problems, which she claimed contributed to her actions. Michelle admitted to smacking the children as described by Lyons but denied any involvement in strangling them. Stephanie’s admission was based on her presence during the incidents and her acknowledgment of allowing the abuse to happen.

At the sentencing hearing held on November 6, Judge Joanna Cutts delivered a stern judgment, condemning the women’s conduct as “cruel.” Michelle Hopkins was sentenced to 18 months in prison for the first count and an additional 13 and a half months for the second, with both sentences to run concurrently. Stephanie Hopkins received a sentence of 20 months for each count, also to be served concurrently. The case has left a lasting impact on the community of Caversham, highlighting the importance of vigilance and intervention in cases of child abuse.