A mother has been sentenced to 10 years in prison after her four sons tragically lost their lives in a fire while she was out shopping at Sainsbury’s. The incident, which took place on December 16, 2021, saw Deveca Rose’s two sets of twins, aged three and four, perish in a locked terraced house in Sutton, southwest London. The 30-year-old, who had split from her partner and was dealing with mental health issues, was found guilty of four counts of manslaughter following a trial at the Old Bailey.
During the sentencing at Court One, Judge Mark Lucraft KC delivered the 10-year prison term to Rose as she sobbed with her head covered. The boys’ father, Dalton Hoath, expressed his immense grief, calling the day of their deaths the worst of his life. He lamented the short lives of his sons Leyton, Logan, Kyson, and Bryson, stating the pain of losing them would always linger. Great grandmother Sally Johnson shared her heartbreak, expressing the horror and pain she felt, unable to forgive the tragedy that unfolded.
Reports from the court revealed the dire living conditions the family had been subjected to before the fire. The house was described as being in squalor, filled with rubbish and human waste. Prosecutors highlighted the unsanitary conditions, citing that basic facilities like the toilet and bath were unusable, with buckets and pots serving as substitutes. Rose had left her children alone at home when the fire started, leading to their desperate cries for help as they became trapped.
Witnesses recalled the heartbreaking scene of the children calling out for assistance as a neighbour and firefighters attempted to rescue them. Tragically, the boys were found lifeless under beds, succumbing to smoke inhalation despite efforts to save them. The court also heard how Rose had falsely claimed to have left the children in the care of a friend named Jade, which later proved to be untrue after authorities investigated the matter. It was disclosed that concerns had been previously raised about the family’s welfare, but actions were not taken before the fatal incident occurred.
Throughout the trial, it was revealed that Rose had a history of mental health struggles, possibly suffering from depression and a personality disorder. Her defence emphasised her complex psychiatric needs, acknowledging the devastating loss experienced by both the Hoath and Rose families. Despite the immense tragedy and loss of young lives, the prosecution maintained that Rose’s mental health issues did not absolve her of criminal responsibility.
As the community mourns the devastating outcome of the fire, the sentencing of Deveca Rose serves as a sombre reminder of the consequences of neglect and the importance of ensuring the safety and well-being of children. The case underscores the need for comprehensive support systems for individuals facing mental health challenges and the significance of proactive interventions to prevent such heartbreaking incidents from occurring in the future.