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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
National
Jonathan Humphries

Paedophile couple jailed for life after abusing boys as young as 15 months old

A paedophile couple have been jailed for life after a campaign of child sexual abuse involving boys as young as 15 months old.

Alan Short and Daniel Goss pleaded guilty to 58 sexual offences, including rape, in relation to four young victims. Short, 63, and Goss, 36, were in a relationship and lived together at an address on Thalia Avenue in Stapeley, Nantwich.

Their vile offending came to light after one of the victims confided in a family member about what Goss and Short had been doing to the boys, all aged between one and 10.

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Sergeant Laura Bradshaw of Cheshire Police, who has been leading on the case, said: “The trauma and suffering that Goss and Short have caused is inconceivable, these men have stolen the childhoods of their victims all for their own perverse sexual gratification and they knew exactly what they were doing was wrong but carried on regardless.

“However, thanks to bravery and courage shown by the victims and their families throughout this investigation, the pair have now been held accountable for their actions.

“Anyone who has suffered from sexual abuse – whether it took place recently or many years ago – should never feel ashamed about talking about what has happened to them. Help and support is available to those who need it.”

The pair were sentenced at Chester Crown Court and jailed for life with a minimum of 21 years each. The sentence means the men must serve at least 21 years in custody before becoming eligible to apply for parole.

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