02 June 2023 , 20:34
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A corrupt husband and wife were behind a vile sexual abuse campaign of children for two decades.
Martin Bayes and wife Dianne have been jailed on Tuesday for nearly 30 years altogether after the man was convicted of 15 charges of rape, indecent assault and sexual assault.
The 52-year-old paedophile was also found guilty of attempting to pervert the course of justice when he threatened one victim if they told anyone.
He was handed a 22-year sentence, with an additional five years on licence while his wife was jailed for five years, after being convicted of three charges relating to child cruelty, assault and encouraging children to engage in sexual activity.
Martin Bayes was handed a 22-year sentence, with an additional five years on licence (Bedfordshire Police / SWNS)
Dianne Bayes was jailed for five years at Luton Crown Court (Bedfordshire Police / SWNS)The 53-year-old woman was complicit in her spouse's offending, Luton Crown Court was told during the five-week trial.
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The trial took place in March at the court and heard Martin Bayes' offences happened against six victims over a 20-year period.
In a victim personal statement, one woman said the offences against her caused her to self-harm and live on anti-depressants. She lacked trust in people and “hated everyone.”
Another said: “No one deserves to endure what I went through.”
The case was heard at Luton Crown Court (URL:)Speaking after the case, 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."