NSPCC comment on child neglect case

A couple from Margate have been jailed for two years after abusing two young boys. Kristina Davies and Ricky Winter denied eight charges of child neglect but were found guilty at Canterbury Crown Court.

The boys were left with broken bones and bruises with doctors even finding evidence of bites to the boys' genitals.

Head of the NSPCC Helpline John Cameron said: "These defenceless young children have suffered terrible neglect at the hands of those who were meant to care for them.

"Sadly the cruelty these little boys have suffered is not unique. Neglect makes up nearly half of all child protection cases known to the authorities, and this is just the tip of the iceberg.

"Every day the NSPCC Helpline receives calls about children being horrifically mistreated or left in danger.

"Though many people do call us to report children being neglected, there are others who don't act on their suspicions. 

"Young children can't get help for themselves.  You could be their only hope.  We would urge anyone who has concerns about a child to act on their behalf and contact the NSPCC Helpline on  0808 800 5000."

Some signs of possible neglect are a child who is:

• constantly hungry or stealing food
• constantly dirty or 'smelly'
• inappropriately dressed
• underweight or very small for their age
• tired all the time
• missing out on medical or dental care
• absent or having problems at school
• having few or no friends
• being left alone or unsupervised
• having to care for younger siblings
• being abandoned or deserted by parent or carer
• living in dangerous conditions i.e. around drugs, alcohol, violence;often being angry or aggressive
• self harming.