By Staff Reporter

Last updated at 10:20, Saturday, 06 February 2010

A Carlisle mum has admitted leaving her two sons hungry, dirty, cold and infested with head lice.

She also failed to get medical help for her children when they were sick.

The 42-year-old woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, pleaded guilty to two counts of child neglect at Carlisle Magistrates’ Court.

The charges related to the suffering of her sons over a two year period from January 2007 until October 2009.

The court heard the boys were poorly fed, infected with head lice, unwashed and often tired.

One of the brothers needed speech therapy, when he missed appointments the clinic discharged him.

The other had frequent absences from school because of stomach problems but records show he was never taken to see a doctor.

When a home visit was made by a social worker she found the house to be cold, untidy and sparsely furnished.

There was no carpet in the boys’ bedrooms and one of them had to use a cushion from a futon as a bed.

They were often left with a family friend while their mum went drinking.

She was so worried about their health she alerted the authorities.

Prosecutor Pam Ward said since the boys had been placed with a foster carer they were much happier.

They rated their new home as ten out of ten.

Defence solicitor Geoff Clapp said it was more a case of his client being unable to cope than willful neglect.

He said she had been abused as a child by her father’s friend and been involved in four abusive relationships as an adult.

A ‘bottomless’ pit of debt and a drink problem were also affecting her ability to care for the boys, he claimed.

The case was adjourned until February 26 for pre-sentencing reports to be prepared.

Magistrates warned the woman she could be sent to Carlisle Crown Court for sentencing because the offences were so serious.

First published at 09:00, Saturday, 06 February 2010
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk