A couple accused of sexually assaulting their two-year-old niece was sentenced to seven years in prison in a London courtroom on Friday.

In her sentencing, Justice Kathleen McGowan said the couple had no prior convictions, but, "The couple had completely lost their moral compass in mid-life."

The 46-year-old man and 43-year-old woman will be given credit for 21 months of time served, and will be eligible for parole after serving one third of the five year, three month sentence remaining.

The girl's mother - whose brother is one of those sentenced - feels the justice system has failed the family.

"I thought maybe nine years, that gives them three more years on top of what they've served already, and they're not even getting that...They can be out in 21 months and no one knows their name, no one knows who they are."

Police found more than 100 sexual photos involving the girl in the possession of the uncle and aunt and the couple pleaded guilty to sexual assault and child pornography-related charges.

There were also images found of child pornography downloaded from the Internet, images of the woman with a dog, texts indicating an interest in grooming another child for sexual assault - and again possibly involving the dog.

Defence lawyers had requested a four or five year sentence, while the Crown attorney had requested 12 years.

Speaking at the start of the sentencing hearing in October, the girl's parents were emotional about the impact this situation has had on their now nearly four-year-old old daughter.

Her mother said, "My daughter talks about monsters and people hurting her. My baby girl never had any issues before this. They preyed on her when she couldn't even speak or barely walk...Why did they violate her? Why did they take her innocence away?"

She also told the court she loses sleep worrying that the pair will hurt other children once they are released.

A publication ban to protect the child's identity remains in place, but the girl's father remains troubled by that decision.

"Everybody in Canada deserves to know the location and names and the information of what has gone on - for their own safety," he says.