A 70-year-old child abuser has been jailed for four years after making her victims fight each other for meals and throwing them against walls.
Sandra Clayton also forced three children to drink bleach diluted with juice and slashed their feet with a knife when they ran away.
A judge branded her campaign of abuse between the early 70s and mid 80s as “deliberate and sadistic” as he sent her down for three counts of child cruelty.
Judge Rupert Overbury said: “What you did was deliberate and sadistic.
“Making them fight between themselves for food and washing them with scolding hot water are mere examples.
“The affects of your abuse have left them anxious and scarred physically and psychologically.
“What you did has been catastrophic for them and fortunately they have begun to recover.”
Clayton, of Brightlingsea, Essex, admitted the offences decades after forcing her victims to lie about their horrific injuries to police and local authorities.
Ipswich Crown Court heard she a sickening game called “swingies” where she would smash her victims against walls.
She also also forced soiled underwear into their mouths, made them sleep on the floor, go outside in the cold and shower in scolding hot water.
One of her victims, who cannot be named for legal reasons, said in a statement: “If I see somebody who looks like her or hear someone in the supermarket with a similar tone of voice I am still struck with a rising panic.
“It is my deepest hope I will be able to begin the healing process and find lasting peace of mind.
“The affects of the abuse have impacted every area of my life.”
Clayton’s defence lawyer Shade Abiodun said: “She cannot provide an explanation as to why these incidents took place.
“In her words, she has told me if she could turn back time then she would.
“It is something she will have to live with for the rest of her life. She is not asking the court to feel sorry for her.”
None of the victims were directly related to Clayton.
