A County Durham couple have been sentenced after a young child suffered serious injuries including a broken leg and a fractured skull.

Alex and Gemma Richardson were found guilty after medics identified a catalogue of separate injuries on the child, following a trial at Teesside Crown Court.

Initially, the child was being treated for a suspected broken leg but medics became concerned about their welfare when they were carrying out a series of checks on the youngster.

The couple were arrested and charged with causing or allowing a child to suffer serious physical harm. They were convicted in January this year.

Alex Richardson was also convicted of causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

The jury heard from the medical expert who confirmed that the leg fracture was consistent with a ‘twisting motion’ and not an impact.

During the trial, both defendants categorically denied deliberately causing any of the injuries.

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The Northern Echo:

Jurors had heard how it was discovered that the child had suffered a fractured skull, a broken collar bone, a spinal injury, and a broken arm before they were treated for a broken leg at Darlington Memorial Hospital.

Alex Richardson, 30, of Westwood Row, Sacriston, County Durham, was sentenced to a total of four years and four months.

His 31-year-old partner, Gemma, was given a 16-month suspended sentence and ordered to attend 30 rehabilitation activity requirement days.

She was also made subject to a mental health treatment requirement.