A court has heard that a young girl, aged five, expressed distress before being placed in a scalding bath that tragically resulted in her death, with her mother accused of manslaughter. The incident dates back to 1978 when Janice Nix allegedly immersed Andrea Bernard in hot water as a disciplinary measure in Thornton Heath, south London. The circumstances of the girl’s demise were initially deemed accidental until her brother, Desmond Bernard, came forward in 2022.
During the trial at Isleworth Crown Court, Desmond Bernard, now 56, testified that Nix frequently subjected the children to physical abuse, even for minor infractions like not folding clothes to her liking. On the day of the incident, Andrea’s refusal to follow instructions reportedly triggered Nix’s anger.
Desmond Bernard recounted hearing his sister protesting that the bath was too hot as Nix insisted she get in, followed by screams and splashing sounds. Subsequently, Nix allegedly tried to awaken Andrea after the screaming ceased. Earlier that day, Andrea had expressed a desire to seek refuge at their grandmother’s house, but Desmond declined due to logistical concerns.
Desmond Bernard further disclosed Nix’s abusive behavior towards him, detailing instances of beatings, burns from cigarettes, biting, and forced consumption of cat food during his childhood. He admitted to fabricating a story under Nix’s coercion to protect himself from further harm.
The court was informed that Nix, then known as Janice Thomas, had a relationship with the children’s father and acted as their stepmother. Desmond Bernard recalled the initial hostility towards Nix from himself and Andrea, stemming from confusion and discomfort at her presence in their home.
Desmond Bernard described Nix’s severe punishment following the children’s disrespectful behavior, emphasizing the fear instilled in them by Nix’s threats of escalating consequences if they disclosed the abuse. Ultimately, Desmond decided to come forward about his sister’s tragic death to unburden himself and hold Nix accountable for her actions.
Janice Nix, currently residing in Clapham, south London, has pleaded not guilty to charges of manslaughter and cruelty towards Desmond Bernard during the period of October 1975 to June 1978. The trial is ongoing.