Three people who carried out the systematic physical and mental abuse of a mother and her two daughters have been jailed today.

Stephen Moulson, 52, was sentenced to 10 years' jail and ordered to sign the sex offenders' register for life.

His daughter, Joan Moulson, 26, was sentenced to two years in prison and his niece, Deanna Moulson, 18, was sentenced to 12 months and ordered to sign on the sex offenders' register for 10 years.

The victims, a mother and her two daughters were 46, 19 and 18 years old at the time of the offences.

Stephen Moulson formerly of Euston Road, Croydon, first contacted the mother through a dating site in May 2006 and within a matter of weeks he had persuaded them to move in with him.

Over five months he subjected them to a series of physical assaults including beatings with bamboo sticks, forcing them to stand in a bucket of ice water, standing in stress positions against a wall and forcing them to sleep on the floor while handcuffed to a radiator.

The court heard Moulson told the victims that he and his family were part of an organisation called “the mob” and if the women refused to do what he told them they would be punished.

He also warned they would be found if they tried to run away.

The women were also forced to take out loans and credit agreements for the Moulsons' benefit.

Detective Sergeant Gary Myers of Croydon CSU said: "It is horrific that Stephen Moulson and the two other members of his family were able to create such a climate of fear that the victims were brainwashed into believing that if they did not submit to these physical punishments, then worse would follow.

"During the time of their ordeal, he ensured the three women did not go out together; so there was always one of them left at home and the other two would be afraid to do anything that might put her in danger.

"It has taken enormous courage for these victims to give evidence and face their persecutors during the trial.

"Tribute should also be paid to other family members of the Moulsons who gave evidence, having been so disgusted by their acts. Without them, this prosecution may not have been possible.”