Woman abused by Nottingham couple Robert and Rita Oldham says 'I hope my attackers die in jail'

A WOMAN who was sexually abused by a Nottingham couple hopes they "die in jail".

The victim was horrifically attacked when she was a child by Robert Oldham and said his wife Rita Oldham also got involved "once or twice."

Today, they face being jailed for a string of sexual offences.

The woman spoke to the Post about her ordeal, which began when she was only nine years old.

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"I felt dirty and horrible," she said.

She was scared to tell anyone because of threats that were made against her.

The woman, now in her 30s and living on the outskirts of the city, said the abuse she suffered at the hands of Robert Oldham started with touching and progressed to intercourse.

One day she found the courage to confide in a friend, who informed a teacher, and police intervened but the case did not go to court.

When she made the complaint, she felt alone and utterly defeated. She said: "No one believed me."

The memories of the abuse were always buried in her mind. She said: "I used to have nightmares about it. I couldn't sleep as a child and I still can't sleep now. I felt worthless. I didn't have normal friends or boyfriends because I found it difficult. I didn't have any confidence, I felt scared of them. I turned to drink to get rid of the memory and to block everything out.

"I want justice to be done, and want them to go to prison for ever, so they can't hurt anyone."

The pair were brought to justice after someone else made a complaint and she was asked for to make a statement about her ordeal.

Robert Oldham, 52, and Rita Oldham, 51, of Greendale Crescent, Clipstone, Mansfield, pleaded guilty at a hearing in December 2012 and were remanded in custody.

Today, the victim will be eager to find out their punishment.

"I hope they die in jail," she said.

Her boyfriend said: "I think they are evil."

Over the years, the woman has struggled with drink and depression-related problems but is now getting her life back on track.

Detective Constable Louise Gowan said the offences were "the worst and most serious I have ever experienced".

She added: "These crimes have had a devastating effect."

Robert Oldham has pleaded guilty to 16 offences including rape and indecent assault; his wife has pleaded guilty to three charges – one of rape, one of indecent assault, and a third of willfully neglecting and exposing a child to assault and ill-treatment by her husband.

Robert Oldham pleaded not guilty to two further charges of rape and one indecent assault while Rita Oldham pleaded not guilty to two charges of willfully neglecting and exposing a child to assault and ill-treatment by her husband.

The prosecution will make an application for these to remain on the file or offer no evidence.

DC Gowan said: "Although the Oldhams have pleaded guilty to a number of crimes, I am keen to hear from anyone who may have other information that may be relevant to this investigation or who is affected by this case and needs police support and help."

Anyone with information can contact police on 101.