A Welsh couple who dubbed themselves ‘Bonnie and Clyde’ have been jailed for planning “sickening” sex offences against children.

Stuart Compton, 46, was sentenced to life in prison and 52-year-old hospital worker, Tracy Turner, will face 12 years.

The court found about 100,000 messages discussing the rape and abuse of three separate children.

Compton, previously admitted six charges of arranging the commission of child sex offences.

He will serve a minimum of seven years before he can apply for parole.

Turner, also previously admitted six charges of arranging the commission of child sex offences, and two charges of making indecent images of a child.

She will be eligible for parole after serving two-thirds of her sentence.

Prosecutor Matthew Cobbe told the court there was an “extraordinary amount” of messages related to “discussing sexual depravity involving children”.

He said while no contact with any children was made, the messages sent over months showed a “clear attempt to arrange and commit sexual activities,”.

Mr Cobbe also stated the couple spoke about the “disposal” of a child if their abuse led to a “fatal conclusion”.

Compton stated he would take full responsibility if that occurred. 

David Butt, Detective Inspector at South Wales Police, described the “volume and nature” of the content as the “worst of the worst”.

Butt stated he hoped the sentencing would bring the victims families “a little comfort”.

Support is available from the National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service at 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732).