Teesside pair jailed for physical and sex offences against child

A man, 49, and woman, 43, were found guilty of two counts of sexual assault and two counts of child neglect respectively at Teesside Crown Court, after being charged by Cleveland Police in 2022.

The man was remanded in custody and the woman was bailed until sentencing.

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Both were found guilty on all charges on February 27, with the man sentenced to 12 years in jail, serving an extended year on licence, and the woman jailed for three years.

He has also been made to sign the sex offenders’ register, and a restraining order and sexual harm prevention order was made.

Officers had been made aware by a third party after concerns for the child were raised in March 2018.

Specialist officers from Cleveland Police’s Child Abuse and Vulnerable Adults Unit (CAVA) worked with partners to safeguard and protect the child while their investigation got underway.

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Detective Constable Mel Phelps said: “Thankfully once we were alerted to the abuse we could begin our extensive enquiries immediately, while ensuring support measures for the young victim were put in place.

“Although the defendants refused to admit to their appalling actions, they were both found guilty of all the charges and justice has now been served.

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“I sincerely hope this will help the victim as they continue to come to terms with what they went through.”

Safeguarding Detective Chief Inspector Matt Murphy-King added: “Cleveland Police will always work with specialist organisations as well as with victims, families and carers to protect victims and to offer them any tailored support they may require.

“It’s never too late to report abuse of any nature to police – you can report 24 hours a day via the 101 number or online via the Cleveland Police website.”