Four children died in a fire while their mother was shopping after the social services closed the family's case

Mrs Rose claims she left the children with a woman called Jade, but police found no evidence of “Jade's” existence, the court heard.

The incident occurred just months after Social Services closed the family's case because Mrs. Rose stopped attending meetings and the children stopped attending school.

Prosecutor Kate Lumsdon, KC, said the children were left unattended at around 6.30pm that day when Ms Rose went to the supermarket.

Neighbors noticed the house burning while she was gone and could hear the children inside.

“A neighbour kicked in the door but the fire was already so widespread that entry was impossible,” Ms Lumsdon said.

“Rescue attempts were made outside on the sidewalk, but nothing could be done.”

“While firefighters were battling the blaze, Deveca Rose returned from Sainsbury's,” Ms Lumsdon said.

“She said she left the children in the care of a woman named Jade. Firefighters went back to the property to search for Jade, but there was no sign of another person on the property.

“Extensive police investigations, as well as conflicting statements made by Ms Rose about Jade, lead the prosecution to the clear conclusion that Jade did not exist or, if she did exist at all, did not play the role attributed to her by Ms Rose that evening.”

Logan and Leyton were taken to St Helier Hospital, while Kyson and Bryson were taken to St Georges Hospital with their mother. Mrs Rose was arrested at the hospital on child neglect charges.

Mrs Rose was a single mother of four children after separating from her father Dalton Hoath.

Ms Lumsdon said: 'Statements from the children's father's family and schools suggest that Ms Rose was considered a good mother and kept her children clean and tidy.

“But there were concerns.”