Family of Four Boys Killed in Sutton House Fire Describe ‘Nightmare’ as Mum Convicted of Manslaughter
The tragic deaths of four young brothers—Bryson, Kyson, Leyton, and Logan Hoath—have left a South London community reeling. The boys, all under the age of five, died in a devastating house fire in December 2021 while left unattended by their mother, Deveca Rose. Their father and other relatives have described their grief as a “living nightmare” after Rose was convicted of manslaughter in November 2024.
The fire broke out at the family’s terraced house on Collingwood Road, Sutton, on the evening of December 16, 2021. A passerby noticed flames and alerted neighbors, one of whom attempted to force the door open to rescue the children. However, the fire had already taken hold, making entry impossible. Firefighters arrived and managed to control the blaze, but when they entered the property, they discovered the boys unconscious in an upstairs bedroom.
Efforts to revive the children on the scene and at two separate hospitals proved unsuccessful. The boys were later found to have died from smoke inhalation, trapped inside a house filled with clutter and hazardous conditions. The investigation revealed that the fire likely started in the living room, possibly caused by a candle or cigarette left burning on a chaotic floor strewn with rubbish【6】【7】.
At the time of the fire, Deveca Rose was not at home. She initially claimed to have left the children under the care of a babysitter named “Jade.” However, extensive police investigations, including reviews of CCTV footage and analysis of her phone records, found no evidence that this person existed. Instead, it was determined that Rose had gone shopping, leaving the boys alone and locked inside the house.
The court heard harrowing details of the home’s unsafe conditions. Prosecutors described it as squalid, with rubbish and excrement throughout. The clutter allowed the fire to spread rapidly and hindered any possibility of escape for the boys【6】【8】.
When confronted with the lack of evidence supporting her babysitter claim, Rose provided inconsistent accounts. Detectives discovered that she had even attempted to call a fictitious number, which was strikingly similar to her own, to corroborate her story. Her deceitful actions further compounded the family’s anguish【7】【8】.
For Dalton Hoath, the boys’ father, the loss was unimaginable. Speaking after Rose’s conviction, he described the boys as “young, boisterous lads” who were well-mannered and loved. The events of that night have left him shattered, saying his “world has been turned upside down.”
The boys’ relatives have also expressed their grief and anger. In a statement, they thanked the court and the police for their efforts to ensure accountability. They spoke of their ongoing pain, saying, “Our family will now take time to heal and let the boys rest”【6】【7】.
Deveca Rose was found guilty of four counts of manslaughter and child abandonment under the Children and Young Persons Act 1933. The court concluded that her neglect directly contributed to the deaths of her children. Detective Chief Inspector Samantha Townsend, who led the investigation, emphasized the gravity of Rose’s failure as a parent, stating that she had “put her own self-interest above the safety of her children.”
The judge remarked on the tragic nature of the case, noting that Rose’s presence in the house could have prevented the fire from escalating or at least allowed her to evacuate the boys to safety. Her sentencing, scheduled for later in November 2024, is expected to reflect the severity of her actions【7】【8】.
A Wake-Up Call for Child Protection
This heartbreaking case has raised critical questions about child safety and neglect. The unsanitary conditions in which the boys lived and the lack of intervention prior to the fire have sparked discussions about the role of social services and community awareness.
Experts have highlighted the importance of vigilance in identifying and addressing neglect. A retired environmental health officer commented that such conditions often go unnoticed until it is too late. While the responsibility ultimately lies with parents, community members and social services play a crucial role in safeguarding vulnerable children【8】.
The deaths of Bryson, Kyson, Leyton, and Logan serve as a tragic reminder of the devastating consequences of neglect and the urgent need for systemic changes to prevent such incidents. The family’s pain is a powerful call to action for greater accountability, both for individuals and the systems meant to protect children.
As the Hoath family continues to grapple with their grief, they hope to honor the memory of the boys and ensure that their story leads to meaningful change. In their words, “Let this be a reminder to us all to cherish and protect our children above all else”【6】【7】【8】.
The Sutton house fire has left an indelible mark on all those involved and on the wider community. The conviction of Deveca Rose has brought a measure of justice for the four young lives lost, but it cannot undo the pain endured by their family. The case serves as both a cautionary tale and a call to action, urging society to prioritize the safety and well-being of its most vulnerable members.
Only by learning from such tragedies can we hope to prevent them in the future. For the Hoath family and others affected, the journey toward healing will be long, but their determination to remember and honor the boys is a testament
to the enduring power of love and resilience.
Read more on;https://sportupdates.co.uk
Leave a Reply