Paedo family raped children for three decades in ‘worst ever case of its kind’ in the UK
Antony Potts and his brothers carried out a string of sex attacks on children during a campaign of abuse spanning three decades
A SICK family raped children during a 30-year campaign of abuse branded the "worst ever case of its kind" by a judge.
Twisted Antony Potts and two of his brothers carried out a string of sickening sex attacks on children, while other members of the family admitted or were convicted of neglect or child cruelty.
The 49-year-old was described as a "deeply depraved man" as he was jailed for life at Birmingham Crown Court.
He was convicted of 13 counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault and nine counts of inciting a child to perform a sexual act and cruelty.
Antony was joined in the dock by his dad Keith Potts, who was caged for eight years alongside his wife Julie, both for child cruelty.
Antony Potts' wife Elaine and family friend Joanne Hoye, were also both jailed for four years after pleading guilty to neglect.
Antony Potts' brother Joshua Potts, 25, was jailed for 16 years after admitting multiple counts of rape and sexual assault against children.
Their brother Nathan, 26, was convicted two counts of rape of a child, four counts of sexual assault, inciting a child to engage in sexual activity and sex with an adult relative. He will be sentenced next month.
Jailing Antony Potts, Judge Carr told him: “You are a deeply depraved man who has taken many, many opportunities to abuse children and corrupt them.
“These are horrendous offences.
"In 50 years practice and presiding over cases like this, I cannot think of a worse one.”
The court heard how the sickening abuse first came to light in 1989 when a girl came forward and told cops what Antony had done to her.
But the case was never brought to trial and in May 2015, three more children - all aged under 14 - said they had been abused by Antony and others and the police were called.
It was decided there was insufficient evidence to bring charges but the case was reopened in January 2016 when a fifth victim came forward.
Sick catalogue of abuse
Antony Potts, 49 - LIFE for 13 counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault, nine counts of inciting a child to perform a sexual act and cruelty
Brother Joshua Potts, 25 - 16 years for multiple counts of rape and sexual assault against children
Wife Elaine Potts, 50 - four years for neglect
Dad Keith Potts, 67 - eight years for two counts of cruelty to a child
Mum Julie Potts, 60 - seven years for two counts of cruelty to a child
Friend Joanne Hoye, 42 - four years for neglect
Brother Nathan Potts, 26 - will be sentenced next month after he was found guilty of two counts of rape of a child, four counts of sexual assault, inciting a child to engage in sexual activity and sex with an adult relative
The full extent of the abuse began to unravel and a further three victims were identified - meaning the vile family could be brought to trial.
Jurors were read emotional victim impact statements giving harrowing details of how the victims were "groomed and brainwashed" by their abusers.
One said the abuse had a "major impact" on her life and she felt she was "let down as a child" by the police, CPS and social services.
She also said she has suffered from “constant and daily panic attacks”, has post-traumatic stress disorder and has “reduced self-worth”.
Another victim said: "I want Antony to go to prison all his life so he can’t hurt anyone else.”
Investigating officer Det Sgt Rachel Gregory, from the force’s public protection unit, said: "This is one of the worst cases of systematic and horrifying child sexual abuse that I have ever seen.
"The investigation was complex and a lot of time and care was spent with the survivors in helping them to find the courage to talk about what happened to them and to ensure we could present the best possible evidence to the court, but also to make sure that their welfare was the primary consideration.
"I hope that the sentences handed to the defendants goes some way to help them rebuild their lives."
Det Chief Insp Jo Floyd, the senior investigating officer, said: "All the children have been safeguarded and are receiving on-going support to help them come to terms with their abuse.
"I would urge anyone who has suffered any type of sexual abuse either currently or historically to get in touch with us. It is never too late for us to investigate this type of crime and we are determined to bring perpetrators to justice.
"Our officers are highly trained specialists in this field who work with a number of agencies and can offer support through the criminal process."
The Local Safeguarding Children Board has launched a serious case review to scrutinise the safeguarding procedures for the children involved.
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