A man and a woman who left a toddler in agony, unable to walk, after she broke both of her legs have been jailed in one of the worst cases of child neglect seen by police.
Sarah Cunningham and Ryan Eames, both 24, pleaded guilty to the neglect of a child who suffered horrific physical, emotional and psychological harm at their hands.
It has been branded one of the worst cases of child neglect seen by police.
A court heard how some of the 17-month-old’s injuries were only discovered once she went to hospital with a broken arm on January 8, 2019.
When inspecting her, doctors found serious injuries including realising that fractures on her legs were still healing, and that she was unable to walk properly.
The police were notified immediately.
The youngster was put under police protection while both Cunnington, of Northamptonshire, and Eames, of Cambridgeshire, were both arrested.
At a later date they were charged with child neglect at Northampton Crown Court, and both pleaded guilty.
They were both jailed for two years and seven months last week.
In sentencing, Her Honour Judge Adrienne Lucking said: "This child suffered serious emotional and psychological harm. You failed her."
Northamptonshire Police said the young girl, now four, is enjoying her life and thriving in foster care despite the “chronic neglect” she suffered at the start of her life.
Detective Sergeant Selena Leppard, said: "In my 11 years working within Northamptonshire Police's Child Protection Team, this little girl's case was one of the saddest I have encountered.
"I cannot imagine what pain she went through in the first few years of her life.
"She suffered chronic neglect at the hands of her carers and at 17-months-old was still unable to walk due to fractures to both her legs.
"I am so glad we managed to protect her and I am pleased to report that she is now a thriving, happy little girl being cared for exceptionally well by her foster parents.
"I hope this case shows the seriousness with which we take our role as police officers to protect children and bring offenders to justice.
"Despite this little girl's exceptionally sad start in life, I hope she reaches all her potential and more."
