Couple were stretched to breaking point.

A COUPLE ``stretched to breaking point'' after years of looking after their two severely disabled sons are unlawfully being denied adequate assistance by a local council, it was claimed at the High Court yesterday.

Although well-connected, art dealer Michael Spink and his wife Henrietta were ``physically, financially and emotionally exhausted'', judge was told.

Henrietta, 42, is a cousin of the Duke of Sutherland, while Michael, 47, was a director at his family's firm of art dealers, Spink and Son, before setting up his own business.

Their sons, Henry, 16, and Freddie, 12, both need 24-hour care seven days a week.

For 12 years Mr Spink fully funded the care of the children but four years ago he found that he could no longer work enough to fund their increasing needs.

The family is applying for permission to seek judicial review, alleging that Wandsworth social services had unlawfully failed to provide them with an ``adequate'' care package.