NATHAN MOSCROP AND REBECCA O’BRIEN FROM BARROW ADMIT CHILD NEGLECT BEFORE TRIAL AT PRESTON CROWN COURT

In a significant development at Preston Crown Court, a former couple from Barrow, Nathan Moscrop, aged 28, and Rebecca Louise O’Brien, aged 26, have formally admitted to neglecting a young child, just as they were scheduled to face trial. The incident, which drew considerable attention, involved allegations of child cruelty and neglect that had been the subject of multiple court proceedings.

Both individuals, who are no longer in a romantic relationship, appeared in the courtroom seated side by side. They were separated by a prison guard, emphasizing the serious nature of the case. Despite numerous appearances in court, both Moscrop and O’Brien had previously maintained their innocence, insisting they were not guilty of cruelty or causing harm to the child.

During the hearing, Judge Graham Knowles addressed the court, indicating that he would be sentencing the pair on July 8. He requested that pre-sentence reports be prepared to assist in determining an appropriate punishment. The judge also remarked on the procedural history of the case, noting that it had been scheduled for trial in late November of the previous year but was adjourned. The case had reached a critical point, with a jury almost sworn in before the defendants decided to plead guilty.

Judge Knowles expressed his concerns about the evidence, particularly the visible injuries sustained by the child. He stated, “The child had very unpleasant visible bruising to the face. Each of them accepts they put the child in the worst possible position. Instead of getting him help, they concocted a story.” The judge emphasized that both Moscrop and O’Brien acknowledged their actions contributed to the child's suffering, which was a stark contrast to their earlier denials.

Both defendants pleaded guilty to a charge of willfully assaulting, mistreating, or neglecting a child in a manner likely to cause unnecessary suffering. The offences were committed over a period spanning from March 2015 to March 2016. Their initial appearance at South Cumbria Magistrates’ Court in July of the previous year saw them enter not guilty pleas, and a second charge involving another child was left unresolved and on file.

Despite being granted bail, Judge Knowles made it clear that their current freedom does not influence the upcoming sentencing. He warned that the sentence to be handed down in July would be determined based on the facts and circumstances of the case, and not on their current liberty. The case continues to be a stark reminder of the serious consequences of child neglect and the importance of safeguarding vulnerable children in the community of Barrow.