A Taranaki couple has been sentenced to nearly three years jail for a horrendous case of neglect towards an elderly woman.

Terrence and Erica Heppell, both in their 60s, were found guilty of the ill-treatment and neglect of an adult.

Terrence's mother Beatrice Heppell was found by ambulance staff in what is described as an appalling state, in 2014.

Mrs Heppell, who is in her 90s, was surrounded by human and cat faeces, had several bed sores, mould under her breasts and open wounds that were leaking fluids.

At the couple's sentencing Judge Chris Sygrove said Mrs Heppell was at the mercy of the couple and was utterly unable to care for herself.

They were each sentenced to two years and nine months jail.