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Wales Online
Wales Online
National
Adam Dutton & Steven Smith

'Cruel' Darren Paisley and Serena Sibson-Bartram denied young boys food and made them stand in stress positions for hours

A cruel man and woman have been jailed for a total of 14 years after they made two young boys stand for hours in "stress positions" and denied them both food. Darren Paisley, 39, and Serena Sibson-Bartram, 34, were arrested after one of the boy's schools raised concerns for their welfare in May 2018.

A police and social services investigation found the pair had subjected the youngsters to a horrific campaign of abuse over the space of four years. It involved them mistreating the boys, including denying them food and forcing them to stand in stress positions for hours on end.

Paisley and Sibson-Bartram, of Telford, Shrops, were both charged with four counts of child neglect and were found guilty following a trial at Shrewsbury Crown Court. Paisley was jailed for seven-and-a-half-years while Sibson-Bartram was caged for six-and-a-half years at the same court today (Friday).

A third defendant Samantha Paisley, 35, of Telford, pleaded guilty to child neglect and had her sentencing adjourned. Detective Constable Vicky Fisher, of West Mercia Police, said: “This was a very distressing case for many people involved.

“Thankfully, by working with Telford and Wrekin Children’s Services, we were able to remove the boys from harm. The defendants showed no remorse for their tremendously cruel crimes against innocent young boys they were supposed to care and protect.

“We hope these sentences provide closure and allows everyone involved, especially the two boys, to take their lives forward. We are incredibly grateful to the many witnesses who came forward to provide evidence and we commend their bravery in helping achieve justice for the boys.

“We are especially thankful for the school who raised their concerns and urge anyone who has any worries at all about the welfare of a child to please get in touch.”

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