A CRUEL mother and her violent female friend have today been jailed for the long-term abuse of a vulnerable and terrified little boy.

The child's mother, aged 40, was locked up for two-and-half years after she was convicted by a jury on Wednesday for two offences of child cruelty.

Her close friend, aged 29, was imprisoned for four years after she was found guilty of both cruelty offences and two charges of unlawfully wounding the little boy.

The women, both of Bradford, cannot be named to protect the identity of the little boy who is now in care.

During the trial the court heard that the five-year-old boy was shut up in a cupboard for hours on end, even being imprisoned while the women went to Blackpool.

The younger woman beat him with a metal rod and struck him on the head with a high heeled shoe.

The pair of them then tried to treat his gashed head using super glue.

Judge Peter Hunt said the younger woman had meted out "cruel punishment" to the little boy.

Her physical chastisement had caused series injuries including a deep wound to his chin and bruising to his back and arms.

She had forced him naked into a cupboard, leaving him trapped and terrified in an empty house while his mother "looked the other way".

"Being confined in a dark cupboard was a very frightening and bewildering experience for a young child," said Judge Hunt. 

Jailing the women, he told them: "People who behave in a cruel and violent way to young children in their care must expect prison sentences of significant length."

Bradford Telegraph and Argus:

Detective Inspector Mick Ryan outside Bradford Crown Court

After the case, Detective Inspector Mick Ryan, of the Bradford District Safeguarding Unit, said: "These were appalling crimes committed against an innocent young boy who had no means of defending himself from people he knew and trusted.

"His mother, who should have protected him, instead was compliant in her neglect of his welfare.

"The physical assaults he suffered can only be described as barbaric and vile, and I welcome the convictions, knowing that he is now safe and enjoying a new life elsewhere.

"Anyone who witnesses, suspects, or is a victim of abuse should always come forward.

"Our specialist team will take all reports seriously, deal with them sensitively and take every action to bring justice for victims."

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