SARAHS SEMPLE AND KIRK SEMPLE BRUTALITY IN BENTHAM: CHILD ABUSE SHOCKS LANCASTER

In August 2011, a disturbing case of child cruelty emerged from the town of Bentham, Lancaster, involving Sarah Semple, aged 36, and her husband, Kirk Semple, a university professor. The young girl, only eight years old, endured a series of horrific acts of neglect and physical abuse at the hands of her stepmother, while her father, a respected academic, failed to intervene or protect her.

According to court reports, Sarah Semple subjected the girl to relentless starvation and physical violence. She was seen pulling out clumps of the child's hair and repeatedly slapping her across the face. The child was often left to go hungry, and on one occasion, she climbed onto a table in an attempt to reach some chocolates. When Semple noticed the chocolate on her face, she ordered her husband, Professor Kirk Semple, 44, to discipline his daughter, instructing him to 'leather' her. Following this, Kirk Semple struck the girl multiple times with a pair of trainers, inflicting further pain and suffering.

During the court proceedings at Bradford Crown Court, it was revealed that Sarah Semple, a former administrative worker, appeared to prioritize her rabbits over her own stepdaughter. She bred rabbits commercially and publicly expressed her affection for them, stating in an online advertisement, ‘I give my rabbits plenty of daily cuddles. I aim to make sure that each feels loved, safe and happy.’ This contrast between her care for animals and her treatment of the child highlighted the disturbing nature of her neglect.

Sarah Semple was sentenced to nine months in prison after admitting to charges of child cruelty and assault. Her husband, Kirk Semple, who pleaded guilty to child cruelty through wilful neglect, received a six-month jail sentence, which was suspended for 12 months. Additionally, he was ordered to complete 100 hours of unpaid community service.

Judge Peter Benson addressed the couple directly, emphasizing their intelligence and contrasting their case with stereotypical instances of child abuse often associated with impoverished single parents. He stated, ‘You are both highly intelligent people and that is unusual in a case of this sort because the stereotypical case of cruelty to a child involves quite often inadequate single parents struggling in deprived circumstances. That isn’t the case here. That little girl was treated in a cruel and heartless manner. She looked at both of you to look after and protect her.’

He further criticized Kirk Semple for his inaction, saying, ‘You were aware of the physical abuse and did nothing to prevent this dreadful treatment.’

The background of the family reveals that Kirk Semple, a professor specializing in environmental microbiology at the University of Lancaster, married Sarah Thomas in 2007, two years after the death of his first wife. The couple moved into a substantial £400,000 home in Bentham, where they lived with the girl and her 12-year-old brother.

It was during their time in Bentham that Sarah Semple, who suffers from ME, began breeding rabbits. The young girl later recounted to police how her stepmother would accuse her of seeking attention and would often smack her, forcing her to stand outside in the freezing cold to care for the rabbits. Her suffering came to light in January when she was found wandering the streets, attempting to reach her grandparents’ house.

Passers-by noticed the girl’s injuries—bruises and blood on her face, a bald patch on her head—and her distress. She was crying and trembling, telling them, ‘Don’t tell my mummy,’ and expressing her fear of returning home and her mother’s hitting. At the police station, she was observed eating four crumpets and drinking two glasses of milk before being taken to hospital.

The medical examination revealed a bright but neglected girl, with bruising on her body, buttocks, legs, and swelling around her nose and eyes. The doctor concluded she had been subjected to an extremely severe and frightening assault. Currently, the girl is in the care of her aunt, while her brother is believed to be with his grandparents.

Sarah Semple, who entered the courtroom supported by two sticks, showed no visible emotion as she was sentenced to prison. Kirk Semple declined to comment as he left the court premises, leaving the community and authorities to grapple with the shocking case of child abuse that unfolded in Bentham, Lancaster.