Bognor Couple To Be Sentenced For Neglect And Abuse Of Vulnerable Man

A Bognor Regis couple who neglected, abused and exploited a vulnerable man – who was the husband of one of the accused – have been convicted at court.

Sarah Somerset-How, 49, of Aldwick Road, conspired with her husband’s carer, 40-year-old George Webb, of Flansham Lane, to leave their victim bedbound and malnourished while they took advantage of him for their own gains.

Webb was originally hired as a live-in carer for Somerset-How’s 40-year-old husband, who required round-the-clock care, in 2016.

Police said that over the next four years, Somerset-How’s husband was physically and psychologically abused, left without sufficient food and drink and forced to live in squalid conditions.

He was separated from his family, who reported the situation to the police in August, 2020, after he revealed the horrific circumstances in which he was living.

He was moved to safe accommodation while an investigation was launched.

Texts from the defendants’ mobile phones showed they had become involved in a sexual relationship and intentionally neglected their victim to take drugs and plan nights away.

Webb was subsequently arrested and charged with wilful neglect as a care worker, holding a person in slavery/servitude, causing actual bodily harm, fraud by false representation and theft.

Somerset-How was also charged with wilful neglect as a care worker, holding a person in slavery/servitude, fraud by false representation and theft.

At Portsmouth Crown Court on Friday (12 May), both were found guilty of wilful neglect and holding a person in slavery/servitude.

Webb was also found guilty of causing actual bodily harm.

Somerset-How and Webb were found not guilty of fraud by false representation and theft.

They are due to be sentenced at Portsmouth Crown Court on 14 July.

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.”