A WORCESTER couple have been given suspended jail sentences after a judge said a small child had been put at a "great risk of harm".

Carla Adams, 30, and Tracey Sheppard, 44, of Rowan Avenue, in Tolladine appeared for sentencing at Worcester Magistrates Court today (Friday) after admitting charges against the child, including assault.

Details of the child’s identity cannot be given for legal reasons.

Mark Johnson, prosecuting, said the matter came to the attention of police after a child was found soaking wet and wandering around the front gardens in Tolladine Road, just before 9am on Saturday, October 1.

Police immediately began a door-to-door search.

Barry Newton, defending, said Adams and Sheppard were both very remorseful, and accepted responsibility for what happened.

"It's been traumatic for both of them," Mr Newton said.

"I appeal for them to be given full credit for their early guilty pleas."

Sentencing, deputy district judge David Goodman said: "Every child has a basic right to be protected.

"This child was so badly let down – put at great risk of harm."

He said Adams had acted "despicably".

Adams was given a 12-week prison sentence, suspended for two years, and must complete 24 days rehabilitation activity.

She was also put on a three-month electronically monitored curfew, coming into force between the hours of 8pm and 7am each night.

Sheppard was given a 12-month prison sentence, suspended for six weeks. She must complete 80 hours of unpaid work.

Both were ordered to pay £180 court costs and a £115 victim surcharge.