A barbaric couple forced kids to “scavenge for scraps” and made them take boiling hot showers and baths.
Andrew Hadwin and Cheryl Pickles subjected children to a prolonged campaign of physical and emotional abuse.
They made them eat soap, locked them away in cupboards, forced them into boiling hot baths and showers as well as refusing to give them food - forcing them to scavenge.
The couple from Bowburn, County Durham, were so cruel to the children that on one occasion the youngsters were found at 4am walking to a supermarket four miles away to find food.
Hadwin, 39, and Pickles, 35, would also order takeaways and make the children watch them eat as they stood in stress positions.
For their horrific abuse, the couple were charged with multiple offences of child neglect and sexual activity with a child, and one count of perverting the course of justice.
They were only convicted after a lengthy police investigation that began in 2018 when one of the children bravely disclosed what happened to her.
The investigation spanned four years and involved more than 150 witnesses.
Hadwin was also charged with three counts of rape in relation to non-recent abuse of another child which happened when she was young.
Both Hadwin and Pickles denied all charges, resulting in a seven-week trial at Teesside Crown Court.
At the trial, the court heard from medical experts who described how the children suffered injuries regularly - one of whom was left with life-limiting injuries as a result of the abuse.
They also heard how the pair wrote fake letters claiming to be from the children where they apologised for lying whilst making allegations of sexual assault against professionals working to support them.
A handwriting expert confirmed the writing was not that of the children.
It took the jury three days to find Hadwin guilty of three counts of rape, seven counts of neglect, and one count of perverting the course of justice.
He was found not guilty of sexual activity with a child. Pickles was found guilty of five counts of child cruelty and one of perverting the course of justice, but was found not guilty of sexual activity with a child.
The pair will be sentenced on Friday April 28 at Teesside Crown Court. Until then, they have been remanded in custody.
Detective Constable Kat Pudney, of Durham Constabulary's Safeguarding Unit, was the investigating officer. She said: "This was an extremely complex and distressing investigation for all involved, the likes of which I have never encountered during my time as a police officer.
"Hadwin and Pickles subjected several vulnerable children to multiple forms of abuse, robbing them of their childhood, and undoubtedly leaving them with psychological wounds which they may never truly recover from.
“I want to highlight how incredibly brave these children have been throughout this lengthy investigation - their strength to stand up to their abusers must be commended.
"One of Hadwin’s victims is now a young woman – she has shown incredible bravery in reliving her ordeal many years later. I hope she finds some comfort that her attacker has now been convicted and remanded.
"Hadwin and Pickles have lied to police and other professionals, and attempted to blame others throughout this investigation, in an attempt to divert the attention away from themselves.
“I am delighted that the jury have returned these verdicts, ultimately protecting further children from falling victim to their manipulative and abhorrent behaviour.
"I hope this result will allow the children to close this chapter of their lives and start their healing journey."
She added: "The safeguarding and wellbeing of children is everyone’s business - all children deserve to be safe, protected, and loved. If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected, please speak out – your actions could save a life.
"You can report suspected abuse or concerns to Durham Constabulary by calling 101, or 999 if life is in immediate danger. Alternatively, reports can be made completely anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
"Concerns can also be reported to Durham County Council on 03000 267 979, or Darlington Borough Council on 01325 406222."
