Four Sons Died in House Fire in Sutton, south London, has left a profound impact on the community and sparked discussions on parental responsibility, mental health, and systemic failures.
This heart-wrenching incident occurred on December 16, 2021, when Deveca Rose, the children’s mother, left her sons alone in the house to go shopping. Her actions ultimately led to her conviction for manslaughter, but the layers of tragedy and complexity surrounding the case demand deeper reflection.
A Tragic Night: The Fire That Took Four Lives
On the evening of December 16, 2021, a fire broke out in a terraced house in Sutton, southwest London, claiming the lives of four young brothers: three-year-old twins Leyton and Logan Hoath, and four-year-old twins Kyson and Bryson Hoath. The children had been left alone in the house by their mother, Deveca Rose, who had gone shopping at Sainsbury’s.
The fire was ignited by a cigarette or tea light in the living room, quickly engulfing the house in flames. Trapped inside, the children ran upstairs, desperately seeking refuge.
Neighbors heard their cries for help and attempted to break down the locked front door, but their efforts were in vain. Firefighters equipped with breathing apparatus entered the house and found the boys’ bodies hidden under beds. Despite being rushed to two separate hospitals, the children succumbed to smoke inhalation later that night.
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The scene inside the house was grim. Prosecutors revealed that the family had been living in squalor, with rubbish, human excrement, and unusable bathroom facilities.
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The harrowing conditions highlighted the neglect the children had endured. The tragic circumstances of their deaths left the community mourning the loss of four vibrant, beloved young lives.
The Mother’s Actions and Trial
Deveca Rose, a 30-year-old single mother, had left her sons alone in the house to visit Sainsbury’s. She had already been to the supermarket earlier in the day, and her second trip was determined to be unnecessary. During her trial at the Old Bailey, it was revealed that Deveca Rose had previously left the children alone on at least two occasions.
When she returned to find the fire brigade tackling the blaze, she falsely claimed that a friend named Jade had been watching the children. This statement led firefighters to re-enter the burning house in search of the supposed caretaker, only to discover that Jade did not exist.
Deveca Rose was found guilty of four counts of manslaughter and sentenced to ten years in prison. Judge Mark Lucraft KC, who presided over the case, described it as “deeply tragic” and emphasized that her absence left the children helpless and vulnerable.
Despite evidence of her mental health struggles, including possible depression and a personality disorder, the court ruled that these factors did not absolve her of responsibility.
The trial also shed light on systemic failures that contributed to the tragedy. Social worker Georgia Singh had raised concerns about the family’s welfare, but the case was closed three months before the fire.
Similarly, a health visitor’s earlier concerns were not followed up after her retirement. These lapses in oversight highlighted the gaps in support systems meant to protect vulnerable children.
The Aftermath and Lasting Impact
The deaths of Leyton, Logan, Kyson, and Bryson Hoath have left an indelible mark on their family and the wider community. Their father, Dalton Hoath, described the loss as the “worst day” of his life, expressing his enduring pain and longing to be reunited with his sons. In a poignant statement, he said, “I will never recover from losing my funny, beautiful boys.”
The children’s great-grandmother, Sally Johnson, spoke of the haunting images of their final moments, saying, “The thought of them crying and screaming out will haunt me forever.” The boys’ paternal step-grandmother, Kerrie Hoath, recalled their cheerful and loving nature, lamenting the neglect they suffered in their home environment.
The case has sparked widespread outrage and grief, with many questioning how such a tragedy could have been prevented. It has also reignited conversations about parental responsibility and the need for stronger support systems for families in crisis.
As the community grapples with the loss, the story of these four young brothers serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of vigilance in safeguarding the welfare of children. Their memories live on as a call to action, urging society to ensure that no child is left vulnerable or neglected.
let’s enjoy few years on earth with peace and happiness….✍🏼🙏