Four boys tragically lost their lives in a devastating house fire while their mother, Deveca Rose, was away shopping at Sainsbury’s. The young victims, two sets of twin brothers aged four and three, were left alone in their home in Sutton, south London on December 16, 2021, when the fire broke out. Sadly, Kyson and Bryson, four, and Leyton and Logan, three, were found huddled under a bed in the squalid conditions of their residence. Rose has been sentenced to 10 years in prison after being convicted of manslaughter for her role in the tragic incident.
During the sentencing, Judge Mark Lucraft KC expressed the profound sadness surrounding the case, describing it as a deeply tragic one with no words capable of capturing its full impact. He highlighted the negligence in leaving the young children unsupervised in an unsafe environment, which led to the fatal consequences of the fire. The court heard that the fire may have been caused by a tea light, and Rose’s absence during this critical moment was deemed unforgivable, as it resulted in the loss of all four boys’ lives.
The emotional impact of the boys’ death reverberated through the court as their father, Dalton Hoath, spoke about the devastation of losing his sons. Hoath described the event as the worst day of his life and expressed the profound loss and heartbreak that followed. The boys were depicted as lively, engaging children who were deeply cherished by all who knew them, accentuating the tragedy of their untimely deaths in such horrific circumstances.
Throughout the trial, details emerged regarding the squalid conditions in which the children were found, surrounded by human excrement and cluttered with hazardous items like cigarette ends, lighters, and tea lights. Neighbours reportedly heard the children screaming for help during the fire, but the dense smoke and flames prevented immediate rescue efforts. Firefighters discovered the boys under a bed in the upstairs room, where they were unconscious and unresponsive due to the inhalation of fire fumes.
Rose’s claim that she had left the children under the care of a friend named Jade was refuted during the trial, as investigations showed no evidence of such a person’s involvement. The prosecution highlighted Rose’s attempt to shift blame onto this fictional individual, leading to further scrutiny of her actions on that fateful evening. The court concluded that Rose’s negligence and irresponsible behaviour directly contributed to the tragic loss of the four young lives.
The devastating impact of the boys’ deaths extended beyond their immediate family, with the local community and emergency services deeply affected by the heartbreaking event. Hoath expressed gratitude towards the efforts made to save his sons, acknowledging the support received during such a challenging time. The loss of the boys was described as every parent’s worst nightmare, leaving a permanent void in their family and community.
As Rose begins her prison sentence, the memory of the four brothers who perished in the fire serves as a poignant reminder of the consequences of negligence and abandonment. The tragedy that unfolded on that December day in Sutton echoes as a solemn call for vigilance and care in ensuring the safety and well-being of vulnerable individuals, especially children who depend on responsible guardianship for their protection.
The sorrow and grief stemming from this heartbreaking incident underscore the fragility of life and the lasting impact of recklessness. The court’s verdict stands as a solemn reminder of the profound duty of care owed to the young and vulnerable, emphasising the collective responsibility to safeguard the well-being and safety of all individuals within our communities. The memory of Kyson, Bryson, Leyton, and Logan serves as a poignant tribute to the importance of cherishing and protecting the innocence and vulnerability of children, highlighting the irreplaceable value of every young life lost to negligence and tragedy.