AN Ilminster couple whose two young children were found with cocaine in their systems and traces of other drugs on their bodies have admitted neglect.

The pair, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared at Taunton Crown Court on Monday and pleaded guilty to charges of child neglect.

The court heard that the couple, who appeared together in the dock, had been charged jointly that between February 1, 2015 and March 3, 2016 at their home address in Ilminster they wilful neglected a minor likely to cause unnecessary suffering or injury to health against each of their two children.

The 29-year-old woman and 37-year-old man first appeared at Somerset Magistrates Court on June 12, when the court heard that their two young children had been found with cocaine in their systems and traces of other drugs on their bodies.

When the children were placed into foster care they were also found to be severely underweight and were suffering from speech and language and development delays which were allegedly attributed to their home environment.

The magistrates court also heard that when the two children were taken into care one of them weighed less than he did the previous year.

Analysis of their hair revealed traces of amphetamine, cocaine, diazepam and cannabis and both children tested positive for cocaine ingestion.

Both defendants previously entered not guilty pleas to the offences before the case was considered so serious that it was sent to Taunton Crown Court to be dealt with.

Appearing in the dock earlier this week, the pair entered two guilty pleas each to the charges, with their representatives expressing that a basis for plea would also be entered.

A basis for plea has already been entered by Nikki Coombe, representing the 37-year-old man, and Harry Ahuja, representing the 27-year-old woman, has a week to enter her basis of plea.

The Crown Prosecution Service will then have 14 days to serve evidence and respond to the basis of pleas.

If the guilty pleas and their basis are accepted, then the couple will be sentenced on August 14 at Taunton Crown Court.

If the Crown Prosecution Service is not satisfied with the basis for the plea, then the Ilminster pair could still face trial.

The couple were previously released on unconditional bail from Somerset Magistrates Court in Yeovil.

In setting the sentencing date, Judge David Evans also imposed a condition on the duo’s bail terms.

He said: “You will be sentenced, unless a significant issue arises out of the basis of plea, on August 14 at this court.

“You must turn up otherwise you will be liable to arrest.

“There will be a condition, and that is to co-operate with the probation service in the preparation of a pre-sentence report.

“All sentencing options will be open for the sentencing judge to explore.”

Reporting restrictions are in place which prohibit the publication of details that could lead to the identification of the two children. This includes reporting the parents’ names.

An NSPCC spokesperson for South West England said: “This is a shocking case in which two children were neglected by their parents who should have been protecting and nurturing them.

"Neglect can wreak havoc on a child’s development, emotional well-being, ability to form relationships, and mental health. Children, like the victims in this case, are more likely to suffer from depression and post-traumatic disorder, and even suicidal thoughts.

“We would encourage anyone worried that a child might be suffering cruelty or neglect to contact our round-the-clock helpline for advice.”

Any adult concerned about the welfare of a child or young person can call the NSPCC Helpline for free 24/7 on 0808 800 5000. Meanwhile, children can call Childline on 0800 1111.