THE WIFE AND CARER OF A DISABLED MAN WHO THEY ENSLAVED AND LEFT IN SQUALID CONDITIONS HAVE BEEN JAILED
Sarah Somerset-How along with her partner George Webb abandoned Tom Somerset-How in his Chichester home, where he was confined to bed and deprived of proper nutrition over a span of four years.The 40-year-old Mr Somerset-How reported that he was forced to live 'under duress and threat,' forcing him into a constant state of 'survival mode.' Both defendants, living in Bognor Regis and aged 49 and 40 respectively, received an 11-year prison sentence at Portsmouth Crown Court.
This case is notable as possibly the first of its kind, with the pair convicted of intentional neglect and enslaving another person.
Webb was also found guilty of causing actual bodily harm.
At the time of rescue, Mr Somerset-How weighed only 43 kilograms (6 stone 10 pounds).
He described spending most of the four years in bed, with a period of five weeks without a shower.
He recounted the immense emotional and psychological impact, affirming that it had 'utterly destroyed' him and that retribution could never compensate for his suffering.
He criticised Webb, emphasising that, as a caregiver, he should be barred from harming others again.
The court heard that the victim has cerebral palsy and relies on an electric wheelchair, requiring constant assistance.
His abuse involved neglect, malnutrition, and being kept in squalid conditions.
Webb was employed as his live-in carer from 2016, and it was through a friend and his sister, actress Kate Somerset-Holmes, that the abuse was uncovered.
Authorities revealed communication records showing the couple had a sexual relationship and deliberately neglected Mr Somerset-How to facilitate drug use and personal absences.
Judge William Ashworth described the victim’s experiences as reminiscent of slavery being confined, unclean, and isolated.
The psychological harm and shame inflicted were significant, with him being treated as merely a source of profit.
Prior to sentencing, a victim impact statement conveyed Mr Somerset-How's distress: 'I go to my room and just scream.' It also highlighted suicidal thoughts and financial hardship.
Detective Cheyne Garrett expressed her disbelief at the severity of the case, calling the treatment deplorable.
She condemned the defendants’ actions as utterly unjustifiable, emphasising the victim’s helplessness and the depth of his suffering caused by their misconduct.
