Couple Sentenced After Shocking Child Abuse Case in Southend
Abuse Uncovered After Children Speak Out
Ben Atthis and Lissa Field were arrested in March 2019 following horrific disclosures by the children they abused. Field, 32, of Prospect Close, Southend, pleaded guilty to four counts of willfully ill-treating a child to cause unnecessary suffering.
Atthis, 34, with no fixed address, denied the charges and faced trial.
Children Describe Nightmare of Abuse
During the court case, the jury heard chilling details: the children endured verbal abuse, were locked in rooms, and forced to collect drugs. The ordeal left deep scars, but the young victims bravely came forward.
Justice Served at Southend Crown Court
Last month, Atthis was found guilty. Today, at Southend Crown Court, he was sentenced to four years in prison. Field received a 22-month sentence, suspended for two years.
“Ben Atthis and Lissa Field subject these children to an ordeal no child should ever experience,” said Temporary Detective Sergeant Emma-Louise Bailey from the Child Abuse Investigation Team.
“I am pleased we have been able to secure justice for the children, who have shown great courage in disclosing the abuse they faced.
“They showed huge maturity in handling the wait until Atthis went to court and immense bravery during the trial where they were cross-examined.
“They were determined to stop the cycle of abuse they had endured and their actions mean Atthis is now facing a future behind bars.”
