A MOTHER and her boyfriend who failed to get urgent medical treatment for their daughter’s painful leg fractures have been criticised by a judge.

But the Stockton couple were allowed to go free after a court heard of the effect the child cruelty charges have had on them.

The girl’s mother has had her four children taken from her, while the stepfather’s barrister said he had matured greatly since his arrest 18 months ago.

The pair – both in their 20s – ignored for several weeks the toddler’s obvious distress and the fact she was sleeping for up to 20 hours a day.

When the girl was finally taken to hospital, x-rays showed both her legs were broken and she had a fractured wrist, Teesside Crown Court heard.

Judge John Walford was told that it could not be established how the injuries – which also included bruises to the neck and forehead – were caused.

The man’s barrister told the court he had grown up, had an insight into his problems and was prepared to do whatever courses he was asked.

The court heard his own words: “I was a prat, I can see that now. All I wanted to do was play computer games and go out drinking.”

He was given an eight-week prison sentence, suspended for two years, with Probation Service supervision after he admitted child cruelty.

The woman pleaded guilty to the same charge and was given a five-month jail term, also suspended for two years, with similar supervision.

Her barrister said: “The emotional ties which have been built up over a period of years have now, to a large extent, been largely severed.”

Judge Walford told the pair: “There really needs to be a custodial sentence to mark the seriousness of these offences and to reflect society’s view and also, as far as the court is able, to provide a measure of protection for children.”

The judge refused an application to have reporting restrictions lifted which would allow the pair to be identified.