A man and woman from Ipswich have been sentenced to a total of 35 years in prison in connection with “abhorrent” child sex offences in Suffolk and the north-west of England.

On July 30, Brian Callaghan, 78, retired, from Waterford Road, Ipswich, pleaded guilty to 19 historic child sex offences committed in Suffolk and Lancashire in the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s.

He pleaded guilty to two counts of administering a drug with intent to have sex; six counts of inciting indecency with children; six counts of sexual assault; three counts of child rape; two counts of committing gross indecency with children and one count of cruelty to a child.

On Monday October 13, Diane Foster, 56, of Downside Close, Ipswich, was found guilty at Ipswich Crown Court of aiding and abetting rape, committing gross indecency and causing/inciting a sexual act.

On Friday Callaghan was sentenced to 24 years and Diane Foster was sentenced to 11 years at Ipswich Crown Court.

Speaking after sentencing Detective Chief Inspector Tonya Antonis said: “This case highlights that, no matter how long ago an offence or offences took place we are committed to carrying out a full and thorough investigation to ensure those responsible are brought to justice.

“The crimes committed by both Callaghan and Foster were abhorrent.

“We wonder if they have ever stopped to think about the damage they have done to the children while they sought sexual gratification or how their lives will probably be scarred forever.

“Hearing a victim’s account of the abuse they faced as a child is always distressing and all credit to Callaghan and Foster’s victims that they came forward and reported to us what they went through.

“We have dedicated officers who are specially trained to undertake difficult and emotive investigations on a daily basis.

“We would urge anyone who has been abused or sexually assaulted to come forward, safe in the knowledge that we, together with our partners within child protection, will provide help and support, and do all we can to identify, charge and bring before the courts those responsible.”