Bognor couple convicted for wilful neglect and enslavement of husband
The victim's wife conspired with his carer to leave the 40-year-old bedbound and malnourished
Last updated 17th May 2023
A couple from Bognor have been convicted for the enslavement and wilful neglect of a man for four years.
The victim was the husband of 49-year-old Sarah Somerset-How, of Aldwick Road, who conspired with his carer, George Webb.
Webb, 40, of Flansham Lane, was hired in 2016 as a live-in carer as Somerset-How’s husband needed round-the-clock care.
The court heard how the pair left him bedbound and malnourished while they took advantage of him for their own gains.
He was separated from his family, left without food and drink and forced to live in squalid conditions.
Officers became aware of his circumstances after family members shared their concerns with police in August 2020.
He was then moved to a secure location while police investigated the case.
Texts were found on the defendants phones, showing they had become involved in a relationship and intentionally neglected their victim to take drugs and plan trips away.
Both were found guilty at Portsmouth Crown Court and will be sentenced on July 14.
Detective Constable Cheyne Garrett said: “Sarah Somerset-How and George Webb totally betrayed their innocent victim, who relied on them both for the most basic of human needs.
“The scale of their depravity was revealed thanks to the tenacity of a friend who alerted the victim’s family. They acted quickly to report their concerns despite Somerset-How and Webb’s efforts to isolate them.
“I would like to thank them for raising the alarm, and the victim in this case for supporting the investigation through to conviction under extremely challenging circumstances.
“No romantic relationship, friendship or working relationship should make you feel unsafe and isolated from friends and family. If you feel bullied, trapped, fearful, or someone is telling you that who you are isn’t good enough, please ask for help.
“This conviction shows the importance of reporting any concerns or suspicions. If you feel something is not right, contact police online, via 101 or by calling 999 in an emergency.”