A Harrogate woman, who allegedly put a used toilet brush in the bath while a child in her care was bathing, has appeared before magistrates.

The woman, who cannot be named to protect the identity of the children, pleaded not guilty to two charges of assault, neglect or abandonment of a child/young person to cause unnecessary suffering at Harrogate Magistrates Court yesterday.

The court heard the children came under the woman’s care in 2015 after their birth mother died and their father was in prison.

Alex Steadward, prosecuting, said the woman was a friend of their late mother and took legal guardianship of the children following her death.

Mr Steadward said the woman “emotionally and physically abused” both victims -- one for nearly six years and the other for nearly three years.

He added she smacked and punched the victims, withheld food from them and even put a used toilet brush in their bathwater, putting “faeces in the water”, the court heard.

Andrew Tinning, defending, claimed it was her partner that faced the latter allegation, but his solicitor denied this.

Partner used ‘martial arts moves’ against victims

The woman’s partner, who also cannot be named to conceal the victims' identities, pleaded not guilty to assault causing actual bodily harm against one of the victims.

The man, of the same address, appeared at the same hearing yesterday.

Mr Steadward alleged the man “strangled” one of the victims and used “martial arts moves” against him, on February 2, 2017.

Brian Nuttney, defending the man, said his client denied these allegations.

The pair were released on unconditional bail and will appear before York Crown Court on March 18, 2024.

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