‘Despicable’ husband and wife jailed for child abuse spanning two decades
A husband and wife from Bedford have been jailed for almost 30 years for the ‘dreadful’ abuse of several children, spanning over two decades.
Martin Bayes, 52, was sentenced to 22 years in prison after he was convicted of 15 charges of rape, indecent assault and sexual assault.
He was also convicted of attempting to pervert the course of justice when he threatened one victim if they told anyone.
His wife Dianne Bayes, 53, was jailed for five years after she was found to have been complicit in his offending. She was subsequently convicted of three charges, including, assault and encouraging children to engage in sexual activity.
Judge Lynn Tayton KC described Martin Bayes as ‘a dangerous offender’.
In a victim personal statement, one woman said the offences caused her to self-harm, live on anti-depressants and she now lacked trust in people, the court heard.
Another victim said: ‘No-one deserves to endure what I went through.’
Both Martin and Dianne Bayes of Luke Place, Bedford, were found guilty following a five-week trial at Luton Crown Court in March this year. 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.
‘Combating 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 that has happened to you, no matter how long ago it happened. It is never too late to come forward and tell us.’
Judge Tayton told the couple: ‘The full effects of the offences you have committed have been far reaching and significant.’
He also made an indefinite restraining order which banned the couple from ever contacting their victims.
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