Man used drywall to barricade three young children in room, gets 3 yrs. probation

(CBS/AP) MANASSAS, Va. - A northern Virginia man who used drywall to barricade his three young daughters into a room was sentenced to three years probation Thursday.

Prince William County prosecutor Kristina Robinson says 35-year-old John Robey of Bristow was ordered to complete an intensive outpatient drug program along with his probation.

On March 26, authorities found that the three young daughters belonging to Robey and 26-year-old Christina Moore, including an 18-month-old, had been left alone in an upstairs room with pieces of drywall screwed tight to the doorjamb. The oldest girl used mattresses to climb over the drywall and got a neighbor to help her sisters.

The Washington Post reports defense attorneys for Robey and Moore have said their clients had been in the throes of drug abuse, using legally prescribed painkillers. Court papers said when the neighbor came to help the children that day, Robey and Moore were passed out in their bedroom.

The girls were unharmed, although prosecutor Robinson has said the room they were discovered in was filthy and the children were hungry.

In October, Robey and Moore each pleaded guilty to three counts of child abuse and neglect.

Judge Richard Potter sentenced Robey to nine years in prison but suspended his prison term. Moore is scheduled to be sentenced May 3.