Monster couple abused and raped young girl in 'one of the most horrific and despicable cases'

A "depraved" rapist has been sentenced to life imprisonment after he and his perverted girlfriend inflicted horrific sexual abuse on a very young girl. Serial offender Zabien Burns, alongside Bethany Hill, were branded as "monsters" for their actions, which included filming themselves as they repeatedly abused the "vulnerable" child.

The "vile and cruel" acts of sexual assault were perpetrated against the defenceless victim by both Burns and Hill.

Burns, 35, denied various sex offences including rape of a child under 13, causing the sexual exploitation of a child, and sexual assault of a child under 13. However, a jury found him guilty at Grimsby Crown Court.

Hill, 27, from Boulevard in west Hull, pleaded guilty to those offences and received a 10-year prison sentence, with an additional four years on extended licence following her release, reports Hull Live.

Burns, who was revealed to have "had a deep-seated sexual interest in children", was also convicted of making indecent images of children. He must serve at least 16 years and eight months before being eligible for parole, although this will be reduced due to the 961 days already spent in custody on remand.

The court heard that Hill is likely to serve six years and eight months behind bars before she is released.

Kama Melly KC, prosecuting, revealed harrowing details during a sentencing hearing at Hull Crown Court about the sexual abuse of a young girl which came to light after phones belonging to Burns were seized amid an investigation into his violent behaviour towards Hill. Upon examination, images of a child being sexually abused were discovered on the devices.

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Despite Burns' refusal