Husband and wide jailed for abusing numerous children over 20 years
The couple from Bedford are facing almost 30 years in prison
A husband and wife from Bedford who abused numerous children over the course of more than 20 years have been jailed for almost 30 years.
52-year-old Martin Bayes has been handed a 22 year sentence, with an additional five years on licence.
He's been convicted of 15 charges of rape, indecent assault and sexual assault, as well as attempting to pervert the course of justice when he threatened one victim if they told anyone.
His wife, 53-year-old Dianne Bayes, was jailed for five years after she was found to have been complicit in his offending. She was subsequently convicted of three charges relating to child cruelty, assault and encouraging children to engage in sexual activity.
The couple, of Luke Place, Bedford, were found guilty after a five week trial in March this year at Luton Crown Court.
They were sentenced on Tuesday (May 30).
Detective Sergeant Ben Searle from Bedfordshire Police, who led the investigation, said: “This was a particularly complex investigation, which has taken over two years to complete, and our team worked particularly diligently to support the victims and secure justice for them.
“I really hope that now these despicable offenders are behind bars, each of the victims who have all experienced such dreadful abuse can get some closure and move forward with their lives.
“Combatting violence against women and girls is a huge focus in policing at the moment and we want to encourage people to come forward and report anything has happened to you, no matter how long ago it happened. It is never too late to come forward and tell us.”
Bedfordshire Police has specialist teams dedicated to supporting victims, and anyone who wants to report sexual abuse can contact the force on 101 or via beds.police.uk/ro/report