A couple who conspired to film and distribute videos of child abuse have been jailed.

Paula Dos-Reis, 28, provided photos and footage of herself with a girl to her older lover Andrew Barker, 53, in return for cash.

The victim was aged between two and six when the abuse took place.

Barker paid Dos-Reis to send him films and images of her abusing her victim.

In total, she received £64,000.

The pair pleaded guilty to a series of charges at Luton Crown Court.

Dos-Reis, of Greencroft Gardens, Enfield, and Barker, of Dog Kennel Lane, Chorleywood, were both charged with eight counts of causing a child aged under 13-years-old to engage in sexual activity between October 2014 and June 2017.

Dos-Reis was also charged with making and distributing indecent photographs of a child during the same time period, and two counts of converting criminal property between February 2013 and May 2017.

Barker was also charged with:

• Making indecent images of children between January 2011 and June 2017

• Possession of extreme pornography between January 2011 and June 2017

• Possession of prohibited images of children between January 2011 and June 2017

• Distribution of indecent images of children between October 2014 and June 2017

During sentencing today, judge Andrew Goymer described the pair’s crimes as “horrendous”.

Barker was sentenced to six years and nine months in prison while Dos-Reis was jailed for six years.

They have both been placed on the sex offenders register for life and have been made subject of a sexual harm prevention order for 12 years.

Detective Sergeant Mike Birch from Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Child Online Safeguarding Team said: “Dos-Reis and Barker’s offending came to our attention via the National Crime Agency as part of a wider investigation they were carrying out into online abuse footage.

“Dos-Reis met Barker through her work and they began a relationship in 2012. In 2014 the abuse began and continued for three years with Dos-Reis receiving significant payments in return for her despicable crimes.

“Our main priority in this case was safeguarding the young victim who is now safe and is continuing to receive specialist support as the actions of Dos-Reis and Barker will have a life-long impact on her.

“Although Dos-Reis and Barker have now been jailed this is not where the case ends as we are now working to seize the money Dos-Reis received under the Proceeds of Crime Act.”

An NSPCC spokesperson said: “This toxic relationship thrived off the sickening abuse of a very young child with Dos-Reis brazenly profiting financially and Barker funding the abuse for his own twisted pleasure.

“What’s paramount is that the victim is receiving continued support and that those responsible for their suffering undergo treatment while behind bars to lessen the risk they pose to children in the future.”

Anyone concerned about a child can contact the NSPCC Helpline for support on 0808 800 5000 or via help@nspcc.org.uk