23 Feb 1876 Shocking account of cruelty to a child ( quite lengthy article). Emily HAYLES , 28 a single woman, belonging to Newport was charged with cruelty to her illegitimate female child Mary Maria. The child is aged 5 but on account of it having been greatly neglected, it did not appear more than 18 months of age. Found sleeping on a pile of filthy rags at her mothers house, after being left alone, in emaciated condition and the house was filthy top to bottom. Medical officer said he examined the prisoners house and found it in an overly dirty state, quite sufficiently and so to render it injurious to the health of the neighbours. He said the child was emaciated and ravenous for food. The mother had frequently been brought before the Magistrates for drunkenness and other misconduct. Most severe punishment the law could allow was 6 months hard labour in the Winchester House of Correction.