Joanna Hoye

Joanna Hoye, 42, from Hartshill Road in Shard End, Birmingham, was handed a four-year jail term after pleading guilty to one count of child neglect in connection with a severe child sexual abuse case at Birmingham Crown Court. The plea occurred during May 2018 proceedings, tying her to the enabling of systematic abuse by the Potts family over three decades, investigated by West Midlands Police.

Her neglect role supported the horrific exploitation of children aged two to 15 within the network. The police characterised the case as 'one of the worst' they had seen. Detective Chief Inspector Jo Floyd said: 'This is one of the worst cases of systematic and horrifying child sexual abuse that I have ever seen and I am pleased that the jury have found the defendants guilty.'

The court examined how neglect by associates like Hoye allowed the abuse to persist. NSPCC statement: 'It is difficult to comprehend the harrowing ordeals endured by the victims of these despicable abusers over three decades. But they have displayed immense courage in speaking out and helping bring them to justice.' Handled by HM Courts & Tribunals Service.

• Key charge: One count of child neglect.
• Sentence: Four years imprisonment.
• Affiliated with Coventry-Birmingham abuse case.