Married couple dubbed 'Fred and Rose West of Barry' jailed for raping teenage girls

A married couple dubbed the “Fred and Rose West of Barry” have been sentenced to a combined 36 years in prison for grooming and raping teenage girls.

Peter, 65, and Avril Griffiths, 61, were found guilty of rape, indecent assault and taking indecent photos of a child relating to three female victims between 1978 and 1993.

The pair, from Barry in south Wales, abused the girls in a number of locations including at a sex party on a fishing boat, while Cardiff Crown Court heard the couple acted together to "fulfil their sexual fantasies”.

One girl was repeatedly raped by the husband, who took her "dogging". He was "aided, abetted and encouraged" by his wife.

She originally made a complaint to South Wales Police in 2000 but the force chose not to take up her allegations.

A second victim was also taken dogging as a teenager and encouraged by the couple to pose semi-naked for them when aged 14.

A third girl groomed and befriended by the couple was drugged and woke to find herself between the couple in bed.

Peter Griffiths was having sex with her while his wife pinned her down by her shoulders before awaking the next morning, with her thighs soaked in blood.

The court heard statements from the now adult women, who are in their 40s, with each describing developing mental health problems and turning to drink and drugs after they were abused.

The first woman said the Griffiths had "destroyed my life".

After the sentencing, Detective Sergeant David Rich from South Wales Police said: "Today's sentences reflect the gravity of the crimes which have been committed by Peter and Avril Griffiths.

"This couple who were responsible for appalling abuse have now been brought to justice.

"I would like to commend the three victims in this case who have shown immense strength and courage throughout the investigation and court proceedings. I hope today's sentence provides some closure for them and their families as they attempt to move forward with their lives."

Peter Griffiths was sentenced to 21 years in jail for eight counts of rape, three of indecent assault and two of taking an indecent photograph of a child.

His wife was sentenced to 15 years in jail for five counts of rape, two of taking an indecent photograph of a child and two of indecent assault.

The couple, from Barry Road, Barry, south Wales, were told they would be registered sex offenders when released from prison.