COUPLE CONVICTED OF INFLICTING SEVERE AND VIOLENT CRUELTY UPON THEIR OWN CHILDREN
In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Exeter, a local couple, Krystina Needs and Sam McCarthy, have been convicted of inflicting severe and violent cruelty upon their own children.The case, which came to light during a court hearing in January 2022, revealed a pattern of brutal abuse that spanned nearly a year, with both parents prioritising their own interests over the safety and well-being of their young children.
Krystina Needs, aged 26, and her partner, Sam McCarthy, aged 27, engaged in a campaign of violence and neglect that left their children, aged just three and five, suffering from physical injuries and emotional trauma.
The court heard harrowing details of their actions, including instances where the children were tied to chairs when they cried and, in one case, nearly suffocated.
The abuse was so severe that at one point, the boy sustained a broken leg, which was likely caused by McCarthy kicking him during an incident of violence.
Further evidence presented in court included a text message from Needs, in which she admitted to having 'gone mad,' and described throwing her daughter to the floor, covering her mouth to the point of almost suffocating her, and subsequently locking her in the bathroom.
These incidents occurred when the children were only three and five years old, highlighting the extreme nature of the cruelty inflicted upon them.
Following the revelations, both children were removed from their parents' care and placed into the custody of extended family members.
However, the emotional scars from the abuse continue to affect them, and they are still suffering from trauma as a result of the couple’s actions.
The court was told that over the course of nearly a year, the couple consistently placed their own needs above those of their children.
Despite concerns raised by teachers, healthcare professionals, and extended family members about bruises, cuts, and other signs of abuse, the couple attempted to cover up their actions, providing false explanations for the injuries.
Text messages between the parents exposed the extent of their cruelty.
For example, McCarthy sent a photograph to Needs showing their son tied to a chair, with the comment, ‘Tied him to the chair,’ to which he responded that he found it ‘funny.’ The messages also revealed McCarthy’s casual attitude towards the violence, including a statement where he expressed regret for bruises on the girl but claimed she ‘drives me crazy,’ and admitted to ‘just snapping’ when she cried.
Needs, in turn, advised him to apply a cold, wet cloth to the injuries, and in one disturbing message, she confessed to throwing her daughter on the floor and hitting her repeatedly, even covering her mouth to the point of nearly stopping her breathing before locking her in the bathroom.
Throughout the investigation, both parents denied any wrongdoing, despite the mounting evidence.
The case was initially set for trial, but both eventually pleaded guilty to multiple charges of cruelty.
McCarthy admitted to two counts of cruelty against both children, while Needs admitted to one count of cruelty against her daughter.
The court heard that the children had suffered significant psychological trauma, and that their ability to speak about the abuse was severely hindered.
Judge Peter Johnson delivered a stern judgment, condemning the couple for their ‘wicked alliance’ in covering up their crimes.
He criticised their failure to provide a safe environment for their children, describing their home as a place where violence and cruelty were normalised.
The judge emphasised that the couple’s actions demonstrated a blatant disregard for their children’s needs, with their own emotional interests taking precedence over their children’s safety.
In sentencing, Sam McCarthy received a prison term of 26 months, with an expected release date in February 2023.
Krystina Needs was sentenced to 12 months and two weeks in custody, but was released on the day of the court hearing.
The judge expressed his disapproval of their lack of remorse, stating that both had told ‘brazen lies’ and fabricated explanations to avoid responsibility.
He also pointed out that despite the severity of their crimes, both parents remain together, a fact that further underscores the disturbing nature of this case.
The court concluded that while the children are now safe, the scars of their abuse will likely remain with them for years to come, and the community continues to grapple with the implications of such a tragic case in Exeter.
