Mother who murdered two of her sons jailed for at least 35 years

A mother who murdered two of her sons and plotted to kill four more out of fear they would be taken into care has been jailed for at least 35 years.

Sarah Barrass (35) plotted with family member Brandon Machin (39) to kill her six children in May. Machin is Barrass’s half-brother and the father of the six children.

Teenagers Tristan (13) and Blake Barrass (14) died after being strangled by the pair at a property in the Shiregreen area of Sheffield, and having bin bags placed over their heads.

Sheffield Crown Court heard on Tuesday how, prior to the killings, Barrass and Machin had given four of her children – including Tristan and Blake – tablets against their will.

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The pair also tried to kill one of Barrass’ children by attempting to drown them in a bath.

A judge ruled that Barrass and Machin should both be jailed for life with a minimum term of 35 years.

Prosecutors told how Barrass had requested help with the children from the local authority with the children, texting a friend to say: “I’ve thought of every possible solution to this mess. Mass murder, putting them all in care, checking in to the local nut house.

“I love my kids too much to kill them, I can’t put them into care for the same reason.”

Kama Melly QC, prosecuting, said that visitors to the children’s home would hear Barrass tell her children: “I gave you life, I can take it away.” – PA