A couple who carried out vile sex offences against children in Ashford more than 35 years ago have been locked up.

Ex-pat Paula Kitchenham was arrested at her home in Spain and extradited back to Kent to face justice for her crimes.

Now, the 61-year-old has been jailed along with her ex-partner, 63-year-old Michael Hindry, for targeting children in the 1980s.

The two were convicted by a jury at Canterbury Crown Court of a total of 15 sex charges between them.

Hindry – described as living an "alternative lifestyle" – has been sent to prison for 19 years for the child attacks.

The couple had been together in the early 1980s when one of the victims was given amphetamines while being abused by Hindry.

But the perverted pair later parted and Kitchenham emigrated to Spain, thinking her crimes would never be detected. She received a six year sentence.

The victims kept silent for years because they thought they wouldn't be believed, but they suffered mental health issues in later life and eventually went to the police.

Judge James O'Mahony told the two defendants that they had shown no remorse whatsoever for their serious sexual abuse.

He told Hindry: "I am told that you lived an alternative lifestyle – but that was a lifestyle of disgraceful sexual abuse of children in a druggie atmosphere.

"Your lifestyle was one of injecting amphetamines while you lived in a squat. That was the lifestyle you chose but it involved significant drug abuse.

"You lived an alternative lifestyle – but that was a lifestyle of disgraceful sexual abuse of children in a druggie atmosphere" - Judge James O'Mahony, to Hindry

"And one of your victims took amphetamine in connection with the sexual abuse."

John Barker, for Kitchenham, said she was now unwell and in extreme pain because of osteoporosis and a kidney infection. He said she was "enduring an appalling time in custody."

An investigation was launched by Kent Police after a woman reported that she had been abused by Hindry when she was a young girl.

A second victim came forward with similar claims, but added that Kitchenham had carried out the abuse too.

In both cases the abuse was stopped when the victims reached puberty.

When interviewed by police, Hindry, who has since moved to Blackpool, denied the allegations and suggested if it was true, the victims should have reported it years ago.

Kitchenham was charged by police after being extradited from her home in Spain.

After the sentencing, an NSPCC spokesman said: "It took enormous courage for Kitchenham's and Hindry's victims to speak up about the horrendous abuse they suffered when they were younger.

"Neither Kitchenham or Hindry admitted their terrible crimes, nor did they show any remorse.

"As a result the victims were made to relive their nightmare ordeal through a trial. This will have only added to the trauma they had already suffered at the hands of their abusers.

"This case just goes to prove that no matter how long ago the offences took place, it is vitally important that abuse victims come forward and report what has happened to them.

"Not only can the abuser then be brought to justice but the victims can also get the help they rightly need."

Investigating officer Det Con Abi Cochrane added: "As this result shows, victims should never feel afraid to report such incidents, regardless of how long ago it happened.

"I hope they feel reassured that they will be supported through the investigation by officers.

"Victims remain at the heart of our work and we will continue to bring offenders before the court so justice can be served."