A married couple who subjected a five-year-old child to intense brutality in a "toxic environment" have been jailed for a total 36 years.

Patrick Dilley and Jane Campbell, both of Chalkhill Road, Wembley, were sentenced on December 18 following a four week trial at Harrow Crown Court.

Dilley, 34, was sentenced to 18 years’ jail with a further five years on licence after he was convicted of grievous bodily harm with intent and causing or allowing serious injury to a child.

Campbell, 33, was jailed for 18 years with a further three years on licence after being found guilty of grievous bodily harm with intent and sexual assault by penetration.

The court had heard how on January 16 2020 police received a call from the London Ambulance Service relating to child who was suffering with potentially life-threatening injuries.

The child was taken to hospital where further examination took place.

A number of bruises across their body were recorded, most significantly a large bruise across the abdomen and further bruises and injuries were found in the child’s throat, Scotland Yard said.

Campbell and Dilley were arrested, interviewed and bailed.

An extensive investigation followed with the help of expert medical witnesses, police, social services and the Crown Prosecution Service.

As a result both Campbell and Dilley were charged with abusing the child who was known to them.

At the trial the jury heard about the serious injuries the child has suffered.

Evidence was given by paramedics on scene, consultants at the hospital, expert medical witnesses, the child’s foster carer and police officers.

Det Insp Jon Moseling from the North West Command Unit said: “These cases are never easy to deal with and almost impossible to understand. How anyone can subject a child to such brutality is beyond my understanding.

"Thankfully, as soon as the abuse was identified, the child was taken from this toxic environment and is now safe. All those involved in the welfare of the child then worked together to ensure that those responsible were brought to account."

He added: "The custodial sentences in this case are fully deserved and I would like to thank all those officers and partners who worked so hard to ensure justice was delivered.”