should she have gone to prison?

The poor little child lost the 'birth lottery' being born to such an uncaring family. He never stood a chance, and even if he had not died, he would have had little chance of a positive, happy life.

They all seem to have got suspended sentences, so i presume this will mean they will be watched henceforth? I agree actual prison time would achieve little.

There is little society can do to prevent such people neglecting their children:you can't legislate to make bad parents good, or to make stupid people sensible. All we can do it be vigilant and report people we see seriously neglecting their children and putting them at risk.

Of course the parents were to blame for putting their need to go to the pub before the safety of their child knowing all the dangers and going ahead regardless. Prison isn't the answer. Being in their community and having to live with the guilt punishment enough hopefully. Their lives are already dreadful by the sound of it.