Natasha Pammant and her partner Liam Leach pleaded guilty to charges of cruelty against a person in their care for leaving Pammant’s mother in horrendous conditions. The 58-year-old woman was found in a “skeletal” state, with faeces under her nails, sitting in a chair soaked with her own urine and faeces. She had not changed her clothes in a year and had two cockroaches in her home, which was filled with rubbish. Social services were alerted by a concerned neighbor after hearing screams from the woman. Paramedics had to shower her to remove her from the chair before moving her to the ambulance.
Upon entering the home, a social worker found the woman in a deplorable condition, with large pressure ulcers on her body, including one that was “down to the bone” and life-threatening. Pammant and Leach claimed that the woman did not want any help, but a friend of the woman stated that Pammant would make her mother wait until 6pm for food and neglected to assist her properly. Pammant admitted to having difficulty coping, and Leach blamed the council and doctors for the situation. Both defendants pleaded guilty to a charge of cruelty against a person in their care, among other offenses.
During the trial, it was revealed that the woman had mental and physical health difficulties, including asthma, COPD, depression, and malnutrition. The court heard that the woman was left in the chair for three months in filthy conditions, with no surface free of rubbish in the house. Pammant and Leach were found responsible for the neglect and mistreatment of the woman, who had been wearing the same jumper for a year. Pammant claimed she struggled with inadequacy due to her upbringing, while Leach expressed remorse and showed signs of improvement in his living conditions.
Mitigating factors were considered for both defendants, with Leach’s lawyer highlighting his vulnerabilities and progress in maintaining a clean and tidy home. Pammant’s lawyer mentioned her struggles with her own cleanliness due to previous bullying and lack of emotional support. The court heard that Leach had now moved out and lived alone, while Pammant acknowledged her failure to provide proper care for her mother. The judge noted the seriousness and tragedy of the case, emphasizing the need for accountability and responsibility in caring for vulnerable individuals.
In conclusion, Natasha Pammant and Liam Leach were found guilty of cruelty against a person in their care for leaving Pammant’s mother in appalling conditions. The woman, who suffered from various health issues, was neglected and left in a chair soaked with urine and faeces for months. Both defendants expressed remorse and cited personal struggles as contributing factors to their actions. The court emphasized the importance of proper care and accountability for vulnerable individuals, highlighting the need for emotional support and responsibility in caregiving roles. The case serves as a reminder of the consequences of neglect and mistreatment of dependent individuals, calling for increased awareness and action to protect the well-being of vulnerable members of society.
