The Court of Appeal has augmented the prison sentence of a Coventry Paedophile, Lynn Tovey, convicted for the “unfathomable” maltreatment and neglect of three children under her guardianship.
Lynn Tovey, 37, of Duncroft Avenue, Coventry, denied the children sustenance and inflicted severe physical abuse upon them.
On 20 July, she was sentenced to five years in prison at Warwick Crown Court for causing harm and cruelty.
The Court of Appeal in London determined on Thursday that her sentence be doubled to eight years.
West Midlands Police characterised Lynn Tovey’s five-year period of torment with her then-husband David Doran, who has been incarcerated on charges of child rape and cruelty.
From 2012 to 2017, the children, who were under 10 when the abuse commenced, experienced malnutrition and neglect, confined to their rooms without bedding and lacking essential hygiene products.
Lynn Tovey often struck the youths, alleging their wrongdoing.
On one instance, Lynn Tovey fractured a child’s wrist and lacerated their head by propelling them into a door frame.
On another occasion, Lynn Tovey struck a child in the face till they lost consciousness.
The children were had to sit by the back door in only their pants as a form of punishment, according to police reports.
In a disturbing parallel to the case of slain 9-year-old Alfie Steele, kids were left gasping for air after being submerged in frigid tubs.
The youths were cautioned that disclosing information would result in their removal into protective custody.
Det Con Merrial Short said: “This is one of the most unimaginable cases of abuse and neglect that I have come across, and I am only thankful that we were not looking at a murder investigation.”
The force began an investigation into David Doran, 47, in January 2019 after receiving an allegation of child rape.
The further abuse was reported to police three months later after one of the children confided in a relative.
After a trial at Warwick Crown Court last October, David Doran was convicted of rape, sexual assault, sexual activity and assault by penetration of a child. He was sentenced to 16 years in prison with a five-year extended licence.
David Doran was additionally found guilty of three counts of child cruelty while on trial with Tovey in July, and handed three years and six months to run concurrently.
Det Con Short added: “We must not forget, at the heart of this, were three children, as well as a rape survivor, who suffered the most appalling abuse and I applaud their bravery in telling their stories.
“All are now over 18 years of age and I sincerely hope they receive all the support they need and are able to move on with their lives.”
If you or anyone you know have been affected by the people highlighted in this article, then please report those individuals to the Police on 101 (999 if an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details of the options for reporting a crime. You can also make a report at Crimestoppers should you wish to be completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.