A convicted Isle of Wight Child Abuser Couple, Toby Lucas and Courtney Strong, have been incarcerated for the “horrific” and “utterly abhorrent” abuse of a child on the Isle of Wight.
Toby Lucas, 29, and Courtney Strong, 25, were present at Portsmouth Crown Court for sentencing on Friday, May 2.
Law enforcement discovered video footage of the maltreatment, depicting the youngster, who was under 10 years old at the time, being restrained with tape and subjected to various forms of abuse by Toby Lucas.
Courtney Strong was there when Toby Lucas used and abused her child and allowed hm to continue the abuse, the court was informed.
Law enforcement officials were notified, and subsequent to an inquiry conducted by the specialised Isle of Wight Child Abuse Investigation Team (CAIT), Toby Lucas and Courtney Strong were indicted for assault and the ill-treatment or neglect of a child, likely to result in unnecessary suffering or harm.
Toby Lucas and Courtney Strong acknowledged the offences in court.
Toby Lucas, from Home Meade in Newport, received a 10-year extended prison sentence, while Courtney Strong, from Medway in Lake, was sentenced to 30 months in prison.
PC Sheryl Taylor, representing Isle of Wight CAIT, stated: “The abuse revealed by law enforcement was utterly horrific.”
“The child in this instance had been restrained, resulting in injury and suffering, as well as extreme distress.”
No youngster should ever endure such an ordeal. The conduct of both defendants and their roles in either causing the suffering or failing to prevent it is profoundly reprehensible. Consequently, Toby Lucas and Courtney Strong will serve time in prison.
“The Isle of Wight CAIT team is dedicated to protecting children, who are the most vulnerable members of our society, and taking action against perpetrators who abuse or neglect them.
“If you are aware of any form of child abuse – act now and report it. We take all of these allegations seriously and will do everything we can to keep children safe.”
Police want to encourage anyone who has been affected by abuse to contact police on 101.
A spokesperson added: “We recognise that not everyone has the confidence to talk to police about what they have experienced.
“Please be reassured that there are other services available that can offer you specialist support to help you deal with the impact of abuse.
“There is information and advice regarding on our website here: https://www.hampshire.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/caa/child-abuse/
“Alternatively, contact Child Line on 0800 11 11, or if you are an adult who has been affected, you can call the NSPCC on 0808 800 5000.”
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.