Statements from both victims were released after the sentencing and read out by Det Ch Insp Leah Crothers.

Victim A said the impact of the crimes committed against her did not end when the abuse ended.

“For years I carried shame, anger and guilt, and questioned whether I was worth protecting or worthy of being loved.

“The last few years have been nothing short of a battle.

“The conviction does not erase the abuse or undo the impact of what happened to me, and I will always carry the consequences of it.

“But those responsible do not control me now. They forever changed me, but they will not take my future. The cycle is being broken and it ends with me.”

Victim B said what happened to her as a child had “affected everything since then”.

“What would it be like not to be afraid at night, not to wake up shaking, not to have nightmares and not to lock away every feeling I have?

“What happened took away my ability to trust people and, in all honesty, I don’t think I really know what trust or love truly is. Nothing can ever change what was done to me. I wish it could.

“I stood up, many years later, because for me this is about drawing a line in the sand and knowing that the Donaldsons can no longer hurt anyone else.

“Many people get to look ahead and plan their lives with hope, I’ve never known what that feels like. My hope was taken away from me a long time ago.”