Mum who abandoned daughter and left her to die in squalid room could have jail term increased

A woman who abandoned her vulnerable daughter to die alone in her squalid bedroom may be facing a prison sentence increase.

Elaine Clarke, 49, was jailed for nine years and seven months after pleading guilty to gross negligence manslaughter after she initially denied the offence. Now, her case is being referred to the Court of Appeal which could extend her sentence.

Debbie Leitch's emaciated body was discovered at her family home in Blackpool, Lancashire, in August 2019. The 24-year-old was born with Down syndrome.

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Attorney General Suella Braverman told MPs that Clarke's term has been reviewed under the unduly lenient sentence scheme and referred to the Court of Appeal, which will have the final decision on whether her sentence will be increased or not. Conservative MP Scott Benton, of Blackpool South, told the Commons: “The Attorney General will be aware of the horrendous case of my constituent Debbie Leitch, who died at the hands of her mother, Elaine Clarke, who has been sentenced to nine years and seven months in prison for her appalling actions.

“Will (Ms Braverman) meet with me and (Sally Ann-Hart, Conservative MP for Hastings and Rye) following our recent letter to discuss this case with a view to seeing whether sentence issued is unduly lenient?”

Debbie Leitch, 24, was abandoned by her mother at her family home in Blackpool, Lancashire (Lancashire Police/PA Wire)

Ms Braverman replied: “This indeed is a tragic case and I extend my sympathies to all those who knew and loved Debbie. I thank you and (Ms Ann-Hart) for bringing this to the attention of the law officers.

“The sentence imposed has been reviewed with the utmost care by the Solicitor General (Alex Chalk) and he has decided to refer it to the Court of Appeal. It is now a matter for the court to decide whether to increase the sentence.”

Preston Crown Court heard the scene that greeted emergency services was "truly shocking" as Ms Leith's face was "completely encrusted with scabs and thickened skin, such that she was no longer recognisable as being a young female." A post-mortem examination gave the cause of death as severe emaciation and neglect with extensive and severe scabies skin infection.

In 2016, when Ms Leitch lived in Leeds, she weighed 10st 1lb but she only weighed 3st 10lb at the time of her death, the court heard. She was dependent on mother-of-four Clarke, who was registered and paid as her carer, the court was told.

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