Two predatory paedophile lovers who abused young boys at their flat have been jailed indefinitely.
Stephen Carruthers, 49, and John Bates, 45, began their relationship in prison while serving lengthy sentences for similar sex offences.
The authorities were powerless to prevent them living together on their release because of human rights legislation, Preston Crown Court was told.
The pair, who both have a string of paedophile convictions dating back to the early 1980s, met in Strangeways prison in Manchester and then went on to live in Blackpool, Lancashire. They used enticements of money and boasts of celebrity connections to lure four 14-year-olds to their ground floor flat in Caunce Street in the resort town.
Sentencing the pair to indeterminate sentences, Judge Christopher Cornwall said: "The simple dreadful reality in this matter in my judgment is you are incorrigible, predatory paedophiles."
A spokeswoman for the children's charity Kidscape said: "It is very disturbing that two dangerous and persistent sex offenders should be allowed to live together. There have been many advances in the management of sex offenders, but this loophole needs urgent attention so that children can be protected more fully."
Carruthers was ordered to serve a minimum of five-and-half years in jail before he can be considered for parole after he was convicted of three counts of engaging in sexual activity with a child, grooming and child abduction.
Bates must serve at least four-and-half years for committing three counts of engaging in sexual activity with a child and one of child abduction.
However, the judge said he wanted to "make it abundantly clear" that both were facing lengthy prison terms.
"I do not expect any application for release to the Parole Board to succeed for a very long time," he said.
