A mother who had relationships with a series of sex offenders has admitted child neglect offences over a two-year period.

She appeared at Carlisle Crown Court where she admitted two charges of neglecting her daughter.

The woman, who is in her 40s and from west Cumbria, was given a suspended sentence for the offences which took place between October 1, 2012 and September 1, last year.

The court heard the woman, who can’t be named for legal reasons, befriended and had relationships with a series of sex offenders.

Record Julian Shaw gave her a two-year prison sentence suspended for 24 months. She must also undergo supervision and complete 150 hours of unpaid work.

Tim Evans, prosecuting, said: "Plainly the neglect the court will be concerned about is the exposure to contact with these convicted male sex offenders and such effect that may have had upon her."

Alan Lovett, defending, asked that the woman be afforded credit for her guilty pleas to the offences and the full co-operation she gave to police.

She was, said Mr Lovett, a vulnerable individual who was "open to manipulation" by the men.

Recorder Shaw said the offences were so serious that only a prison sentence could be imposed.

But he told the woman, who had no previous criminal convictions, this would be suspended for two years.

The judge added: "You have, by the skin of your teeth, avoided being locked up."