Bedford Couple Sentenced for Child Abuse Spanning Decades

A husband and wife from Bedford have been sentenced to a combined total of nearly 30 years in prison for the "horrific abuse" of several children over a period of more than two decades.

Martin Bayes, 52, was handed a 22-year sentence, with an additional five years on licence, after being convicted of 15 charges including rape, indecent assault, sexual assault, and attempting to pervert the course of justice by threatening one victim.

His wife, Dianne Bayes, 53, was jailed for five years for her role in the abuse. She was found guilty of three charges related to child cruelty, assault, and encouraging children to engage in sexual activity.

The couple, from Luke Place, Bedford, were found guilty after a five-week trial at Luton Crown Court in March this year and were sentenced earlier this week (30 May).

Detective Sergeant Ben Searle, who led the investigation, said: "This was a particularly complex investigation, which has taken over two years to complete. Our team worked diligently to support the victims and secure justice for them."

"I truly hope that now these despicable offenders are behind bars, each of the victims who have 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 that has happened to you, no matter how long ago it happened. It is never too late to come forward and tell us."