The judge called their crime 'horrendous' and now a pair of Fort Qu'Appelle grandparents want a new trial.

The couple were handed a three year jail sentence last month after being found guilty of locking up their granddaughter in a basement and starving her.

They are basing their appeal on errors they claim the judge made.

During sentencing, the judge said the little girl must have gone through hell while she was in their care.

The grandparents who are in their fifties have asked the court to consider that they came from abusive homes and residential schools.