Excavation at paedophile couple’s home

Police are excavating the former home of a paedophile couple who knew serial killers Fred and Rose West.

David and Pauline Williams were jailed at Exeter Crown Court in November for a string of sexual offences dating back to the 1980s.

Their catalogue of abuse started in Gloucester, where they met the Wests, and continued when they moved to Devon in the 1990s.

Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed excavation work had started at an address in Bradninch in Cullompton, Devon.

A spokeswoman said: “Following intelligence received, Devon and Cornwall Police are undertaking excavation work at a property on Cullompton Hill, Bradninch, Cullompton, Devon.

“This relates to historic intelligence connected to the address and its former occupants. It is expected to take up to four days to complete. Specialist officers will be involved in the excavation, which we hope will have as little impact on the local community as possible.”

The couple were convicted of 48 individual and joint charges stretching over 15 years following a trial at Exeter Crown Court. Vitims were as young as seven.

David Williams was jailed for life after being found guilty of offences including 11 counts of indecent assault, 10 counts of rape and two counts of gross indecency with a child.

He was also convicted of three counts of indecency with a child, two counts of cruelty and two cases of aiding and abetting an indecent assault.

Pauline Williams was sentenced to 12 years in prison with four years on extended licence after being found guilty of two counts of aiding and abetting rape, two counts of aiding and abetting an indecent assault, and three counts of indecent assault.