Judge jails Peterborough couple saying 'This is the worst abuse of a baby I have seen'

The couple were sentenced to a total of 27 years in jail at Peterborough Crown Court today.

Sentencing them at Peterborough Crown Court, Judge Sean Enright said: “This is the worst abuse of a baby I have seen and the pictures are quite appalling and horrific to look at.

“The feeling of revulsion return every time those photographs are opened.”

Michael and Lara Chase of Bathurst, Orton Goldhay, took advantage of the 13-month-old girl they were babysitting.

Lara Chase was today jailed for 13 years and Michael Chase 14 years.

Prosecuting for the CPS, Nicola Devas: “Both the defendants regularly looked after the child and indeed suggested to the parents that they could do that.

“They trusted the defendants with their child. They had no idea at all of the abuse she was suffering.”

In a victim impact statement read out to the court by Ms Devas on behalf of the child’s family, she said: “They are thankful that the child has not been affected although she is now at an age where she picks up the sense of stress and bad atmosphere this has caused.

“The affect is a huge breach of trust and they carry the guilt of letting that child be looked after by their abuser forever.

“The abuse has brought a huge strain on their marriage and they are trying to stay strong for the child.

“They are concerned when she is old enough to want to have sleep overs with her friends how they are going to trust that to happen.”

In mitigation for Mr Chase, Roger Harrison said: “This defendant acknowledges entirely the gravity of his actions and he says he feels sick about what he has done. He wants to apologise for his actions.”

In mitigation for Mrs Chase, Karen Robinson said: “Her life in reality has been destroyed by these proceeding.

“We would ask the court to impose as low a sentence as can be consistent with this court.”

She added: ‘She poses a low risk of reoffending and would invite the court to consider as short a period as possible.”

She added that she has now separated from her husband of 18 months and wants him “hung, drawn and quartered”.

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