Peterborough couple jailed for a total of 27 years for sexually assaulting 13-month-old they were babysitting

Michael and Lara Chase of Bathurst, Orton Goldhay, took advantage of the girl they were babysitting.

The couple appeared at Peterborough Crown Court this morning (Friday), where Judge Sean Enright sentenced Lara Chase to 13 years and Michael Chase to 14 years.

Judge Enright said it was the worse case of baby abuse he had ever seen.

Michael Chase (52) had pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual assault of a child under 13, four counts of taking indecent photographs of a child, three counts of possession of indecent photographs of a child, possession of a prohibited image of a child, possession of an extreme pornographic image and making 4,524 indecent photographs of children.

And on Monday at Peterborough Crown Court, Lara Chase (46) was found guilty of two counts of sexual assault and the distribution of indecent images her husband had already admitted taking.

The sexual assaults themselves are too graphic to be described in this newspaper.

Speaking after the guilty verdict against Lara Chase was recorded, Detective Constable Lloyd Metselaar said: “I am pleased that the family of the victim in this case have received justice for what can only be described as ‘every parent’s worst nightmare’.

“The appalling acts committed together by both Mr and Mrs Chase on such a young child, who had been entrusted in their care, demonstrate the most serious breach of trust.

“This case demonstrates the determination and 
dedication of Cambridgeshire’s specially trained officers who will bring to justice anyone involved in targeting the most vulnerable of society.”

During the trial, Lara Chase had said she was unaware of her husband’s paedophilia and claimed that the pair were now separated and that she would like to see him “hung, drawn and quartered.”

Photos used during the trial included the victim being sexually assaulted by Michael Chase, with the jury deciding that his wife had been assisting him in his actions.

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