Coventry family jailed over three decades of "horrific" child sex abuse and crueltyA serial rapist has been jailed for life in what a judge described as the worst case he had seen in 50 years.
Antony Potts who was described in court as a "deeply depraved man" will begin his sentence tonight having been convicted of a string of rapes and sexual assaults against children.
He was one of four members of a Coventry family jailed for carrying out a campaign of horrific child abuse spanning three decades.
Among the offences committed by the Potts family over the 30-year period were rape, sexual assault and child cruelty.
They are starting their prison terms today having been sentenced at Birmingham Crown Court.
The judge in the case, Peter Carr, described the offending as the worst of its kind he had seen in 50 years as a barrister and judge.
The 49-year-old, of Milverton Road, Wood End, was today jailed for life by Judge Peter Carr.
He will serve a minimum of over 16 years behind bars before the Parole Board can even consider him for release if they deem it safe to do so.
If he is released, Antony Potts will remain on licence for the rest of his life.
He was joined in the dock by his father Keith Potts, who was found guilty following the trial of two counts of child cruelty, as was Keith’s wife Julie.
Keith and Julie Potts were sentenced to eight years and seven years in prison respectively.
The judge also passed sentence on Antony’s wife, Elaine Potts, and family friend Joanne Hoye, who had both pleaded guilty to neglect last year.
Judge Carr sentenced Elaine Potts, 50, of Milverton Road, and 42-year-old Hoye to four years custody each.
While 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 judge also told Keith and Julie Potts that they “knew about” the child abuse over a number of years and “did nothing”.
Also in the dock at Birmingham Crown Court today was Joshua Potts, son of Keith and Julie.
The 26-year-old had admitted multiple counts of rape and sexual assault against children before the trial of his relatives.
The judge made the decision to sentence Joshua Potts, of Burnaby Road, Holbrooks , tomorrow as there were more reports that needed to be read.
Another family member also awaiting his fate is Nathan Potts who will be sentenced for his offences on August 9.