Couple jailed after drugs found in child's system
The youngster suffered life-changing injuries
A couple have been jailed for child neglect after a child in their care was found to have traces of cocaine and amphetamine in their system.
The youngster was taken to hospital in 2016 with respiratory issues while under the care of Kerry-Anne Baldry and Darren Barden in East Grinstead.
Toxicology reports found traces of cocaine & amphetamine in the child’s system which caused significant injury to the child’s health.
49-year-old Baldry, of Manners Road in Southsea, and 50-year-old Barden, of Holtye Road in East Grinstead, were both found guilty in November of neglect of a child to cause unnecessary suffering or injury.
Last Friday (January 13th), Baldry was sentenced to two-years-eight-months in jail, while Barden was sentenced to three-years-four-months.
Detective Constable Michelle Hayes of the West Sussex Safeguarding Investigations Unit said:
"This has been a very distressing case for all involved. The victim was subjected to being in an environment where Baldry and Barden were reckless while the child was in their care.
"Both were jointly responsible for their actions. Neither of the adults recognised the risk they were subjecting the child too.
"As a result of their actions the child suffered life changing injuries which will continue to impact their quality of life.
"I am relieved that justice has finally been achieved.”