A NEGLECTFUL mother who allowed her young children to live in a filthy home - where the floor was littered with human and dog faeces - has been spared jail.

Today the case of the woman, who had admitted three counts of child neglect, concluded when she was given a suspended prison sentence at Furness Magistrates' Court.

The Millom woman, who cannot be named to protect the identity of the children, pleaded guilty to the offences at an earlier hearing.

Prosecutor Mr Peter Kelly told the court that when officers entered the property in question they were met by a horrifying sight.

Filthy counter tops, piles or dirty and unwashed clothing, and cigarette butts were strewn throughout the premises.

Dog and human faeces was also discovered on the floors, and protection officers reported a strong smell of urine permeating the house.

Mr Kelly also noted there was a "lack of nourishing food, and heavily contaminated surfaces".

At the earlier hearing on June 29 the court was told that following the discovery of the house's condition, all three children were removed from the woman's care.

Her partner frequently works away and she was the sole care provider for them.

When sentencing, District Judge Gerald Chalk, said: "You deserve full credit for pleading guilty at the first opportunity. This is a case of child neglect, not child cruelty. You failed to realise your responsibility toward the children."

The woman was sentenced to 70 days in prison, suspended for two years.

She was also ordered to carry out 30 days of rehabilitation work, and 40 hours of unpaid work in the community.

She will also have to pay a victim surcharge of £85 and court costs of £85.

Read the story from the defendant's first appearance in court.

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