An evil family who imprisoned their vulnerable neighbours and forced them to work as domestic slaves have been jailed for a total of 46-and-a-half years.
Earlier today (Fri) Jean Kelly was sentenced to 14 years in prison at Warwick Crown Court.
This afternoon, her husband Michael and their daughter’s partner Ian Healy were also caged for 14 years each for two counts of grievous bodily harm and conspiracy to falsely imprison.
Kelly’s daughter Anastasia Hitt was jailed for four years and six months for conspiracy to falsely imprison and conspiracy to require forced labour.
Sentencing, Judge Anthony Potter said: “All three of you played a part in their barbaric treatment.
“It was constant bullying and belittling behaviour by you.
“One of the most depressing factors is that all though you have difficulties, and although you appreciated these women were vulnerable, you did not seek to empathise with them.
“Rather you sought only to exploit them for your own sordid ends.
“Michael Kelly was the first individual to behave in a violent manner towards Karen and Kate.
“You were enthusiastic and needed very little encouragement to behave with violence towards the two women.
“You were described as assaulting Karen as if you were fighting in a cage match.
“All of you were aware that Kate was being locked in her flat and all assisted in that.
“Karen was wrongly told she was coming to your flat in order to pay pack what she stole.
“They could be said to have been beaten black and blue – all of you took part in that.
“Karen had a fracture to her sternum, fractures to her fingers and hands, bruising all over her body including her face.
“She even had a human bite mark just below her left elbow.
“Michael Kelly – you have been described as a physical enforce. That’s how Karen and Kate saw you.
“I am told you are now remorseful but I have seen very little evidence of that.
“Ian Healy – you also accept you punched and kicked Karen with the intention of causing GBH.
“Your partner Anastasia told you ‘I am the brain, you are the brawn’. You took to your role in this sorry tale with great enthusiasm.
“You had a difficult childhood and have been diagnosed with a number of medical issues including emotionally unstable personality disorder, drug-induced psychosis and paranoid schizophrenia.
“Anastasia Hitt – you were keen to emphasis to Karen you were in control. You made repeated threats to stamp on her face.
“You referred to her on one occasion as a ‘spastic’.
“You have a number of personality disorders, in large part caused by your upbringing by Jean Kelly.
“It is clear you are a damaged woman as a result of that upbringing.”
Tabir Singh, defending Michael Kelly, said: “His remorse is authentic.”
Wendy Miller, defending Ian Healy, said: “He is 29 and he has had a very traumatic and violent childhood.
“Jean Kelly took advantage of his mental illness.
“He tried to persuade her that violence wasn’t necessary.”
Anthony Bell, defending Anastasia Hitt, said: “She was subject to all manner of abuse as a child, and manipulated by her mother in all manner of ways.
“Her mother was still the person in control in this relationship.”
