Woman Sentenced Following Shocking Case Of Child Cruelty
A woman from Lancashire has been jailed after subjecting a young boy in her care to a pattern of neglect and mistreatment that left the child frightened and injured. Preston Crown Court heard that the abuse took place over several weeks while the boy’s parents believed he was being safely looked after.
Mistreatment Behind Closed Doors
The offender, 27-year-old Siann Cawley from Fleetwood, was asked to care for the boy over a three-week period. Instead, the court was told, she repeatedly mistreated him and left him alone for long stretches of time while she went out. When she was finally reported, the child was found with visible injuries and was described by police as “malnourished, anxious and withdrawn.”
Prosecutors said the abuse took place in a small terraced house where neighbours occasionally heard shouting but did not realise a child was inside. Cawley is said to have isolated the boy and shown a complete disregard for his welfare.
Court Proceedings
At Preston Crown Court earlier this month, Cawley admitted multiple offences including assault occasioning actual bodily harm, neglect and abandonment. The judge described her behaviour as “calculated and sustained” and said she had shown “a disturbing lack of empathy towards a defenceless child.”
Cawley was sentenced to four years and three months in prison. She is currently serving her term at HMP Styal in Cheshire. The judge also imposed a ban preventing her from working with children in the future.
During sentencing, the court heard that social services became involved after concerns were raised by relatives, who noticed the boy appeared withdrawn and frightened to return to the babysitter’s home. The alarm was raised shortly afterwards, leading to her arrest.
Reaction From The Community
The case has left residents in Fleetwood stunned. One neighbour told reporters, “You think you know who’s safe to leave your child with. It’s terrifying to think something like this was happening just a few doors away.”
Authorities have since reminded parents and carers to stay vigilant and to report any concerns about child safety, no matter how small they may seem. A spokesperson for Lancashire Police said, “This case is a tragic reminder that neglect can happen behind closed doors. Early reporting saves lives.”
Protecting The Vulnerable
The young boy is now in a safe environment and is said to be receiving professional care and therapy. Social workers confirmed he is making gradual progress and has the full support of his family.
Speaking after the hearing, a police officer involved in the case said, “What matters most is that this child is now safe. This sentence sends a clear message that cruelty and neglect will never go unpunished.”
Cawley will remain in custody until at least half of her sentence is served, after which she will be monitored under licence conditions.
