Man who inflicted 'horrific' abuse on child jailed

Toby Lucas was given an extended sentence of 10 years

A man who inflicted "horrific" abuse on a child who he bound up with tape and a woman who stood by and did nothing have been jailed.

Toby Lucas, 29, was given a 10-year extended sentence after he admitted assaulting and injuring the child, who was under 10 and cannot be named, on the Isle of Wight.

Courtney Strong, 25, was jailed for 30 months after she stood by as Lucas inflicted the abuse.

PC Sheryl Taylor, from Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary, said their conduct had been "utterly abhorrent".

Courtney Strong was jailed for 30 months on 2 May

"The abuse uncovered was nothing short of horrific," she added.

"The child in this case had been bound and caused injury and suffering, in addition to being left incredibly distressed.

"No child should ever have to experience this sort of thing.

"The actions of both defendants and the parts they played in either inflicting the suffering or doing nothing to prevent it is utterly abhorrent. They will now face time in prison as a result of this."

Lucas, of Sunset Close, Freshwater, and Strong, of Medeway in Sandown, were jailed at Portsmouth Crown Court on 2 May.