Pair jailed over toddler's 'sickening' abuse
Cumbria PoliceA man and a woman who "inflicted horrific abuse" on a toddler, causing head and body injuries, have been jailed.
The child was taken to Carlisle's Cumberland Infirmary in August 2022 before being transferred to the Royal Victoria Infirmary, in Newcastle, due to the severity of their condition.
David Biggart and Ashleigh Brown pleaded guilty to causing or allowing a child to suffer serious physical harm.
At Carlisle Crown Court, Biggart, 30, was sentenced to nine years and four months while Brown, 31, was imprisoned for two years and seven months.
Cumbria Police said it had been contacted by medical staff over concerns about the nature of the youngster's injuries and Biggart, whose address in court was given as Aidrie, Lanarkshire, and Brown, of Marks Avenue, Carlisle, were arrested on suspicion of child neglect.
When questioned, both attempted to suggest the injuries were self-inflicted.
In a statement released following Monday's sentencing, Det Con Lisa Atkinson said the defenceless child had suffered "sickening" injuries but was now "safe from those who inflicted such horrific abuse".