A County Durham couple have been convicted of allowing or inflicting serious injuries to a young child.

Alex and Gemma Richardson were found guilty after medics identified a catalogue of injuries, including a broken leg and fractured skull, on the child following a trial at Teesside Crown Court.

Initially, the child was being treated for a suspected broken leg but medics became concerned about their welfare when they were carrying out checks on the youngster.

The couple were arrested and charged with causing or allowing a child to suffer serious physical harm.

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During the trial, both defendants categorically denied deliberately causing any of the injuries.

Jurors heard how it was discovered that the child had suffered a fractured skull, a broken collar bone, a spinal injury, and a broken arm before they were treated for a broken leg at Darlington Memorial Hospital.

Alex Richardson was also found guilty of a section 18 offence - unlawfully and maliciously caused grievous bodily harm to a child with intent to do them grievous bodily harm.

The pair, from Westwood View, Sacriston, County Durham, will appear at the same court to be sentenced on February 19.