The Middletown couple accused of locking their 12-year-old daughter in the basement avoided jail time, but were placed on three years probation Tuesday by visiting Judge Matthew Crehan.

Shawn and Joanna Blackston, who lost custody of their four dependent children earlier this month, were found guilty last month of child endangering for the mistreatment of their 12-year-old daughter, who lived in the basement under deplorable conditions and was malnourished. Crehan said there was no evidence, however, the girl was locked in the basement against her will.

Crehan, who called it a “very, very difficult case,” said the couple must attend parenting classes, find full-time employment, pay child support and court costs, but no fines. After the Blackstons left the Butler County courtroom with their attorneys, they refused comment and quickly walked down the steps.

Butler County assistant prosecutor Josh Muennich said he agreed with Crehan’s decision, which he called “fair.” Kim Schneider, another assistant prosecutor who tried the case with Muennich, said she hopes the children can “overcome” their hardships and one day live “as normal a life as possible.”

Tim Upton, Shawn Blackston’s attorney, said since last summer his client has lost several jobs because of the negative attention he has received, but he’s working third-shift in a warehouse. Upton told the judge that Blackston, 40, has only a few minor traffic offenses.

Joanna Blackston’s attorney Ched Peck said she has lost her nursing license and has no criminal record.

The couple at one point had eight children under their care. One has since turned 18 and the 15-year-old daughter of Shawn Blackston was removed from the couple’s custody following a domestic violence charge against her.

Four of the six children that were removed from the home this summer — ages 2, 4, 10 and 14 of the blended family — are in foster care and are expected to be placed in custody with their maternal grandparents, Kemal and Mildred Green of Hamilton, later this month during Christmas break. Earlier, visiting juvenile court Judge Tom Lipps ruled the Blackstons were permitted to visit their children, but not overnight.

Custody of the two other children and the 15-year-old is expected to be decided on Jan. 30 by Lipps.

At the time, he told the Greens they were not permitted to return the children to the Blackstons, and he said the children must receive counseling. The Journal isn’t naming the children.

On Nov. 16, the Blackstons were found guilty of child endangering and faced a six-month jail sentence. Crehan said the Blackstons treated the girl — Shawn’s daughter and Joanna’s stepdaughter — differently, including belittling her, ostracizing her and not providing enough food. However, they were not found guilty of the more serious charge of locking her in the basement.