A couple from East Kilbride, Scotland, who were jailed for the mistreatment and neglect of their infant son, have failed in their bid to overturn their convictions. The tragic case, involving the death of three-month-old Stephen Angell Jnr, exposed harrowing details of neglect, including traces of drugs in the infant’s milk bottle and signs of poor hygiene and malnutrition. Despite their attempts to clear their names, Stephen Angell, 45, and Laura Stevenson, 47, remain convicted of willful neglect and will serve their prison sentences.
Tragic Death of Baby Stephen Angell
The case revolves around the death of baby Stephen Angell Jnr, who passed away in November 2018 after suffering from neglectful conditions. At the time of his death, the infant was found to be “exceptionally thin” and in poor health, with medical experts raising alarm over signs of mistreatment. His death was ruled as “undetermined” by medics, but social work records and evidence presented during the trial highlighted serious concerns about his care.
Stephen’s life was tragically cut short by the neglect he endured, and his parents’ actions—or lack thereof—formed the basis of the trial. His death exposed a series of failures by his caregivers, including his parents’ blatant disregard for his wellbeing.
Disturbing Details of Neglect
At Hamilton Sheriff Court, it was revealed that the infant was subjected to neglectful and sickening conditions during his short life. Medical experts found traces of diazepam, a drug commonly prescribed for anxiety and sleep disorders, in the milk bottle found in the home. The presence of drugs in his milk raised serious questions about the parents’ responsibility and care for their son.
In addition to this, baby Stephen was discovered in an alarming physical state. He was noted to have an “unusual” body odour, a sign that could point to poor hygiene or health issues, and his hands, feet, and armpits were dirty. His nails were long and untrimmed, further suggesting neglect. These physical indicators were further compounded by a lack of weight gain, despite medical supervision aimed at improving his condition.
In a key piece of testimony, Dr. Adrienne Sullivan, who examined the infant in October 2018 due to concerns about his weight gain, described the baby’s overall condition as concerning. She noted his unusual body odour and unhygienic appearance, both of which contributed to suspicions of neglect.
Medical and Social Work Concerns
The court heard that despite medical professionals’ interventions, including monitoring baby Stephen’s weight gain and advising his parents to increase the amount of formula they were feeding him, they failed to take the necessary actions to improve his health. In one exchange, when advised to feed the baby more formula, Stephen Angell responded dismissively, saying, “If it isn’t broke, don’t fix it.” This response reflected a profound disregard for the medical advice offered and for the wellbeing of their child.
In addition to the medical concerns, social work records revealed that Stephen’s care was consistently flagged for issues. The parents’ repeated failure to address these concerns ultimately led to the tragic consequences for the infant. Despite a high level of social work involvement, both Angell and Stevenson neglected to provide the necessary care and attention for their son, leaving him in an unsafe and unhealthy environment.
The Parents’ Actions and Court’s Response
One of the most disturbing elements of the case was the apparent lack of responsibility shown by the parents. During the trial, it was revealed that Laura Stevenson, while intoxicated, had left her baby with a woman who was both disabled and “morbidly obese.” In her absence, the baby was later discovered by the woman’s daughter, soaked in urine and being held inappropriately in the woman’s arms.
This shocking revelation highlighted the gross neglect that Stephen endured and illustrated the parents’ inability to fulfill their duty of care. The couple’s actions, or lack thereof, were seen as a deliberate and callous disregard for their son’s safety and welfare.
Sheriff Colin Dunipace, who sentenced the couple in July 2024, condemned their behaviour as a “high level of culpability.” He emphasized that despite the extensive social work intervention, both Angell and Stevenson had failed in their duty to protect their son. “You both failed in your duty to your son, and I have concluded that the matter which you were convicted of involved a deliberate disregard of the welfare of your child,” Sheriff Dunipace said in his sentencing remarks.
Appeal Attempt Denied
After being sentenced to two years in prison each, Angell and Stevenson immediately filed an appeal to overturn their convictions. However, their bid to clear their names was rejected by the court. Judges at the Appeal Court refused their application to proceed with the appeal at the “second sift” stage, effectively dismissing their attempt to reduce or overturn their sentence.
A source close to the case commented on the couple’s lack of remorse throughout the legal proceedings, stating: “The pair of them are absolutely callous, and it was no surprise they tried to appeal their convictions. They have both shown absolutely no remorse whatsoever throughout this whole case, and it has left many sickened.”
Despite their failure to overturn the convictions, Angell and Stevenson’s legal team continue to pursue avenues to have their sentences reduced, though it is unclear what grounds they will rely on.
Legal and Social Implications
The conviction of Angell and Stevenson raises important questions about parental responsibility and the role of social services in protecting vulnerable children. The fact that the couple failed to provide adequate care for their child, despite significant intervention by social workers and medical professionals, highlights the limitations of current child protection systems.
The case also underscores the importance of holding caregivers accountable for neglectful or harmful actions. Baby Stephen’s death serves as a tragic reminder of the consequences of neglect and the need for vigilant monitoring of children in at-risk environments. This case serves as a warning to both parents and professionals alike about the devastating effects of neglect and the moral and legal obligations to protect vulnerable children.
Family’s Pain and Public Outrage
The family of baby Stephen Angell Jnr has expressed their heartbreak over the circumstances surrounding his death, and public sentiment has been one of outrage and grief. Many have expressed shock at the details of the neglect, and the couple’s failure to show remorse has only intensified the public’s sense of injustice. The fact that they showed no acknowledgment of their wrongdoing has compounded the suffering for the infant’s extended family, who continue to mourn the loss of a young life that was taken too soon.
Despite the conviction, the family’s pain endures, and the community is left grappling with the horror of what occurred behind closed doors. This case serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance in safeguarding children and ensuring that those who fail to protect them are held accountable for their actions.
Conclusion: Justice for Baby Stephen
With the appeal now denied, Stephen Angell and Laura Stevenson will serve their sentences for the neglect and abuse that led to the tragic death of their infant son. While this case cannot bring back baby Stephen, it serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting vulnerable children and ensuring that those who fail in their parental duties are held accountable. The public and legal systems alike continue to call for greater attention to be paid to the welfare of children, especially those who are most at risk.
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