In a shocking case that has left the community appalled, Sarah Somerset-How, 49, and George Webb, 40, have been sentenced to 11 years in prison for the enslavement and abuse of Sarah’s disabled husband, Tom Somerset-How. The couple from Bognor Regis, West Sussex, subjected Tom to deplorable living conditions, leaving him malnourished, confined to bed, and surrounded by filth.
The trial, held at Portsmouth Crown Court, heard how Webb’s violent temper was likened to a “nuclear bomb” by the victim, who suffers from cerebral palsy and relies on a wheelchair. Webb was also found guilty of causing actual bodily harm.
Throughout the trial, it was revealed that Sarah and Webb exploited and mistreated Tom, leaving him trapped in squalid conditions where he was often left malnourished and neglected in his own urine and faeces. The abuse was uncovered by a concerned friend and Tom’s sister, an actress known for her appearances in popular TV shows.
In his testimony, Tom expressed his shock upon discovering that his wife and Webb had devised a “five-year plan” to exploit him. He described feeling despised by them, and the extent of the betrayal took a heavy toll on his mental and emotional well-being. In a victim impact statement, Tom shared the profound despair he experienced, stating that at times he wanted to end his own life due to the intolerable circumstances he endured.
Before meeting his wife, Tom had a fulfilling life with a career, friends, and happiness. However, everything changed when Webb entered their lives as Tom’s live-in carer in 2016. Tom found himself unable to articulate the abuse to his family, but in August 2020, he finally revealed the horrifying truth.
Judge William Ashworth commended Tom’s courage and shed light on the appalling conditions he endured. He highlighted that Tom was held in slavery for over two years, confined to bed, deprived of basic necessities, and isolated from his family in a grim environment. The judge emphasized the defendants’ denigration of Tom’s disability, mocking him and comparing him to the alien character from the movie ET.
Text messages retrieved from the defendants’ mobile phones revealed their sexual relationship, along with deliberate neglect of Tom while they indulged in drug use and planned outings for themselves. The defendants, however, were acquitted of charges related to fraud and theft.
While the guilty verdicts cannot undo the psychological damage inflicted upon Tom, he expressed hope that they would allow him to begin moving forward with his life. The court proceedings shed light on the importance of safeguarding vulnerable individuals and holding perpetrators accountable for their heinous actions.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance and community support to ensure the well-being and protection of vulnerable individuals, especially those living with disabilities.
