A MARRIED couple will be separated for the first time in 34 years as they start prison sentences for depraved sex offences against two young girls.

Donald and Suzanne Barnes, aged 57 and 55 respectively, of The Cullerns in Highworth, were jailed at Swindon Crown Court yesterday.

Judge Tim Mousley sentenced Donald to five years’ and Suzanne to four years’ imprisonment, with the latter’s sentence reduced due to her particular vulnerability.

The culprits had pleaded not guilty to four counts of indecency with a child and two of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child.

But they were found guilty at a trial for the abuse, carried out between August 2000 and August 2005 on two girls aged between 11 and 15 at the time.

Each charge related to multiple incidents and Judge Mousley said the offences were committed many, many times.

“These were acts of extreme depravity and not once did you appear to query whether what you were doing was appropriate,” the judge said.

“These were vulnerable, young girls and they will bear the emotional scars that you have caused them for many, many years, perhaps the rest of their lives.

“The impact of your actions spread beyond these girls, in affecting their loved ones and your entire family.

“You have expressed no remorse for what you did, which means I am unable to reduce the sentence in any way.

“There are a number of mitigating factors. Firstly, you have no previous convictions. Secondly, you are both in your mid-50s.

“There are also several references and many people have spoken highly of you. You have both been hardworking people and neither of you are clearly in the best of health.”

In mitigation for the couple, Leanne Evans for Donald Barnes and Charles Row for Suzanne Barnes, drew attention to the poor health of their clients.

Suzanne Barnes had a full hip replacement at the start of this month and has developed a blood clot which needs daily attention, as well as a number of other ailments, including epilepsy, depression and arthritis.

Donald Barnes requires an entirely new knee, according to Great Western Hospital, and also suffers with arthritis and depression.

Each of them were described as being slow learners, with mild cognitive impairments.

Prosecutor Colin Meeke did not go into detail on the offences in question, but did say: “It is clear the events have troubled them [the victims] greatly and left an impact upon their lives.”