The case
Deveca Rose left her four young sons alone at their Sutton home to go shopping. A fire took hold in the locked property, and the children could not escape.
Evidence and court findings
Rose claimed that another woman had been caring for them. CCTV, phone evidence and house-to-house enquiries showed that this supposed carer did not exist. The CPS said a discarded cigarette or candle was the likely ignition source, with the condition of the house contributing to the spread.
The sentence
Rose was convicted of four manslaughter offences after trial. On 24 January 2025 the Old Bailey imposed concurrent 10-year terms. The judgment considered her health and other mitigation. Concurrent sentences run together; the court did not impose a combined 40-year sentence.
Sources and case status
This dated report records the sentence imposed. It does not establish a present prison location or release date.
By Street Crime UK · Source record checked 21 October 2026.
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