Charged with cruelty to a child and assault are Phyllis Powell and Raymond Henry, both of an Oliver Road, east Kingston.

They did not enter a plea during the court sitting.

The court heard that a concerned neighbour contacted the police and raised an alarm that the kids were home alone, which led to an investigation.

Allegations are that when the police arrived at the location, the three-year-old was seen sitting inside the house with a hot plate turned on. The mother, Powell, could not be found.

Further checks were conducted and the nine-year-old was spotted in the community. He allegedly told the police his mother had left him on his own for days.

The court was told that the children were not fed.

The Child Development Agency was contacted and the kids were taken into state care at a place of safety.

Further allegations are that after the mother was located, during an attempt to take the children into state care, the accused persons assaulted an inspector of police and a constable.

Powell and Henry are to return to court on October 24.

Senior Resident Magistrate Judith Pusey also ordered a social-enquiry report to determine if it is safe for the kids to be returned home or remain in state care.