Bognor Regis couple jailed after neglecting and abusing vulnerable Chichester man for years: victim was left bedbound and in squalid conditions, say police

By Lawrence Smith
Published 15th Jul 2023, 10:49 BST
Updated 15th Jul 2023, 11:02 BST
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now
A Bognor Regis couple who neglected, abused and exploited a vulnerable man – who was the husband of one of the accused – have been jailed, Sussex Police have said.

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

Police said they were both jailed for 11 years at Portsmouth Crown Court on Friday, July 14.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

A police spokesperson said: “Webb was originally hired as a live-in carer for Somerset-How’s 40-year-old husband, Tom, who required round-the-clock care, in 2016. Over the next four years, Tom was physically and psychologically abused, left without sufficient food and drink and forced to live in squalid conditions.”

Police said Sarah Somerset-How, 49, of Aldwick Road, Bognor Regis, conspired with her husband’s carer, George Webb, 40, of Flansham Lane, Bognor Regis, to leave their victim bedbound. Photo: Sussex PolicePolice said Sarah Somerset-How, 49, of Aldwick Road, Bognor Regis, conspired with her husband’s carer, George Webb, 40, of Flansham Lane, Bognor Regis, to leave their victim bedbound. Photo: Sussex Police
Police said Sarah Somerset-How, 49, of Aldwick Road, Bognor Regis, conspired with her husband’s carer, George Webb, 40, of Flansham Lane, Bognor Regis, to leave their victim bedbound. Photo: Sussex Police

Police said Somerset-How took out loans in Tom’s name and said Tom was separated from his family, who reported the situation to the police in August, 2020, after learning of his circumstances via a friend. Police said Tom was moved to safe accommodation while the investigation took place.