Latest Offenders York

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A woman has shared the lifechanging impact of sexual abuse to encourage other victims to come forward.

The woman, who is not being named to protect her anonymity, was sexually assaulted by John Dowson, who is 82 and from the Whitby area.

Dowson was sentenced at York Crown Court this week for two indecent assaults and a sexual assault against multiple victims between the 1990s and last year.

She addressed Dowson directly in a statement prepared for the court, telling him: “My life was changed forever by your actions — not just mine, but the lives of so many others who were affected in the ripple effect of your choices.

“What you did caused me irreversible pain and fear. The kind of fear that creeps into everyday moments. That lingers within spaces where I used to feel safe.

“The damage you've done doesn't just fade with time, it follows me and I believe it always will.”

She said that the abuse has made it harder to trust people, adding: “I second guess my own instincts. You took a part of my happiness, security and tranquillity that day.

“I hate to give that power to another human being, but I'd hate even more to see you get away with it.”

Dowson was given a suspended 14 months custodial suspended for two years and ordered to do 250 hours of community service.

He was also given a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order, which imposes additional restrictions to stop him reoffending and will be closely managed by specialist police officers.

In addition, he was given a 10-year restraining order and has been added to the sex offenders’ register.

The woman welcomed the outcome, saying she is reassured that Dowson will be closely managed to prevent him reoffending.

She also thanked North Yorkshire Police for the support she had received during the investigation and urged anyone who’s experienced sexual abuse to have the confidence to come forward and report it.

The detective who led the investigation, Detective Sergeant Arthur Ames of Scarborough and Ryedale CID, said:

“I’d like to thank the victims in this case for having the courage to come forward.

“I also hope this will encourage others to come forward knowing that the police will investigate any allegations thoroughly, no matter when they happened.

“All of the victims have chosen to have their voices heard and have exposed Dowson’s offending over decades.

“Their courage has led to today’s conviction that will not only mean that they have been heard but that Dowson will be on the sex offenders’ register so police and partners can apply appropriate safeguarding measures and prevent any further offending by him. Dowson has pleaded guilty but has shown no remorse for his actions or the impact they have had on the victims and their families.”

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A man has been jailed for more than eight years after a jury found him guilty of attempted rape and three sex assaults.

Daniel Scott will remain on the sex offender's register for the rest of his life. The 40-year-old had denied the charges but was found guilty by a jury at Teesside Crown Court.

On Monday, July 28, Scott, of Cranwell Grove, Thornaby, appeared at the court for sentencing. He was sentenced to a total of eight and a half years behind bars and a restraining order was made indefinitely.

Detective Sergeant Bonnie Dowson, who investigated said:

“The bravery of the victim in coming forward and giving evidence, will no doubt safeguard others from Scott.

“Sexual assaults like this will always be thoroughly investigated and those responsible should expect to be put before the courts. Please come forward and speak to police if you have ever been a victim of a sexual offence, where we can help victims to access support services and bring those responsible to justice.”

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A rapist who police said was a "danger to women" has been jailed for more than 13 years.

Jonathan Ellis, 30, of no fixed address, was found guilty of rape, sexual assault, coercive and controlling behaviour, making threats to kill and criminal damage after a trial at Leeds Crown Court.

Police said his crimes took place over an eight-year period between 2016 and 2024.

Ellis, from Dewsbury, was jailed at the same court on Monday for 13 and a half years, with three more years on licence due to the risk the judge said he posed.

Speaking after the sentence West Yorkshire Police's PC Isaac Taylor said Ellis had carried out some "shocking offences against his victim".

He said: "Given that offending included serious sexual assault, coercive control and stalking, it is no exaggeration to say he subjected his victim to a whole spectrum of abuse, and we do believe he poses a real danger to women.

"His victim has shown significant courage in coming forwards and reporting Ellis, and then in supporting the prosecution."

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A “controlling” rapist who travelled more than 120 miles to intimidate a woman before smashing her head off a road has been jailed. 

Michael Lesko “showed no remorse” and was described as “living in a fantasy world” when he was jailed for ten years for the sick sex attacks on Thursday (July 24).

It follows an incident last year when Lesko travelled to Durham with intentions to harass a woman, waiting inside the bus station for her. 

When he spotted her, he jumped on the same bus, following her to Ferryhill, where she went into a pub for her own safety as he followed behind. 

When she thought the coast was clear, she left the pub; but Lesko, who lived in Bridlington, was waiting outside and began following her. 

After getting into an argument with the victim, the 29-year-old launched an attack, pushing her, grabbing her hair, and lifting her up before hitting her head off the road. 

The woman bravely reported the incident and disclosed that she had been sexually assaulted by Lesko and raped on another occasion by him.

Lesko, of New Burlington Road, was later found guilty following a trial in March of rape, stalking, sexual assault and assault causing actual bodily harm, all in breach of a suspended sentence order made last year.

He appeared at Durham Crown Court this morning (July 24) where he was sentenced to ten years in prison.

Safeguarding Detective Gary Tinkler said:

“Lesko is a controlling and dangerous offender, who poses a high risk to women.

“Lesko has shown no remorse and was described during sentencing as living in a fantasy world where he takes no responsibility for his own actions.

“I would like to praise the victim involved in this case whose courage has led to a conviction. Hopefully, she can now close this horrific chapter and can begin to move on with her life.”

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A 72-year-old man from Myton-on-Swale near York has been jailed for multiple child sex offences dating back to the 1980s.

Rodney Abbott, of Moor Lane, was sentenced to 18 years and 8 months at York Crown Court on Friday 18 July 2025 where he was also issued with a Sexual Harm Prevention Order until further order, a restraining order and ordered to sign the sex offenders register indefinitely.

He has been remanded in custody since pleading guilty on 12 May 2025 to six offences of raping a girl under 16, six offences of indecent assault on a girl under the age of 14 years, three offences of indecent assault on a girl under the age of 16 years, and one offence of inciting a girl under fourteen years of age to commit an act of gross indecency.

The victim was assaulted from the age of five and into her teens, describing her childhood as “a constant stream of sexual assaults”.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Mike Cope said:

“Mr Abbott took every opportunity to abuse the victim. She was young, helpless and without any means to escape the things that were done to her. Her childhood was miserable. It is impossible to imagine how scared and isolated she must have felt.

"In the time that I have spent with the victim, I have come to admire her for her bravery, she has had the courage to tell the police about the abuse she has suffered. She has somehow found the strength to carry on and create a good life for her and a loving home for her children.

"Nothing will take away the victim’s pain, but I hope that the sentencing can offer some sort of closure for her.

"I hope that this case shows survivors of abuse that the police are here for you, irrespective as to when that abuse occurred. It is never too late to tell us; we are here, and we will listen.

"We are committed to bringing those responsible for such horrific abuse to justice - don’t suffer in silence.”

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Luke David Wilson, 31, of Rosedale Close, Whitby, has been jailed for five years and 10 months for raping a woman in Whitby.

He pleaded guilty to the offence just before a three-day trial was about to start at York Crown Court on Tuesday (1 July 2025).

Wilson also admitted sexual assault by penetration on the victim, who was aged in her late 20s when it occurred at an address in Whitby between 5.20am and 6.20am on Saturday 8 July 2023.

He was remanded into custody ahead of the sentencing today (Wednesday 2 July) as he had breached both police and court bail.

Wilson carried out a prolonged sexual attack on the victim despite her repeated shouts of “no” to Wilson – she had only consented to a cuddle following a night out in the town.  

When interviewed by detectives, Wilson stated they had consensual sex. He maintained this position right up until the start of the trial on Tuesday when he changed his pleas to guilty.

He also changed his account entirely regarding the events that morning, stating that he had no recollection of what had happened.

Detective Constable Charlotte White, of the Scarborough and Ryedale Safeguarding Investigation Team, said:

“The victim in this case has shown nothing but courage and determination throughout. I thank her for her bravery and patience while the investigation has been ongoing.

“The victim had the strength to make a report to the police and the outcome at court is a testament to her strength. She has ensured that a serious sexual offender has been taken off the streets.” 

DC White added:

“As for Wilson, he has not shown a shred of remorse to the victim or for his dreadful actions.

“It is clear he had no understanding of the seriousness of the investigation and the offences for which he has now pleaded guilty to.

“He waited until the first day of trial to enter his guilty pleas, further prolonging the stress and anxiety for the victim. 

“We will continue to strive to apprehend those who cause violence against women and girls, and I hope this case shows that action will be taken against such offenders and victims will be listened to and fully supported.”

As well as the custodial sentence, Wilson has also been placed on the Register of Sex Offenders for the rest of his life.

Victim Personal Statement

The following are extracts from the Victim Personal Statement read out in full at the sentencing hearing:

“I contemplated suicide more than once and I went to my GP for help. I didn’t know where to go, or what to do, and I felt like a burden to everyone around me. I went from being a trusting, outgoing and independent person to being a shell of myself and I was just going through the motions of day-to-day life.”

“I can no longer trust men, whether that be in a relationship or family members, and I have found myself resentful towards males. I got into a relationship a long time after what happened, and it was awful. I realised that I couldn’t sleep anymore as I didn’t feel safe, so I ended the relationship, and I think that I will be alone for the rest of my life. The thought of even trying to give my trust to anyone makes me feel sick.”

“Luke stole a part of me that I will never get back and has made me lose my confidence and ability to trust…I can’t even hug my own mother anymore as any affection make me feel sick to my stomach.”

“I hope that one day I can move on, however it has now been two years, and I still have nightmares and panic attacks nearly every night. I miss the old me and how loveable I was, and how much trust I had in people. I always saw the best in everyone, and now I see the worst.”

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A man who began following and making sexual comments to a teenage girl on a train has jailed after a British Transport Police investigation.

Zainal Osman, 31 (28/10/93), of Barlby Road, Selby, was sentenced at York Magistrates' Court on Thursday 5 June having pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing to engaging in sexual communication with a child. He also pleaded guilty to failing to notify police of a change of address as part of his notification requirements under the Sexual Offences Act.

He was sentenced to 32 weeks’ imprisonment and ordered to pay a victim surcharge. He must also sign the sex offenders register for 10 years.

At around 9.50pm on 25 May, a 15-year-old girl was travelling on a train from York to Sherburn-in-Elmet when Osman, who was visibly drunk, began to follow her. 

He repeatedly professed his love for her, and despite the girl telling Osman her age he continued to make advances.

She called 999 and a ticket inspector who saw what was happening intervened, allowing the girl to safely leave the train.

BTP officers met the train at the next stop, Selby railway station, and Osman was arrested and taken into custody.

Investigating officer DC Liam Brown said: "The actions of the young girl in alerting 999, and the intervention of the ticket inspector, meant we were able to act fast to detain Osman.

"This was a frightening ordeal for the girl and it is because of her bravery that Osman, who has a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) because of a previous offence,  has been brought to justice.

"These kinds of offences will absolutely not be tolerated on the railway network. I urge any victims of sexual offences to report them immediately."

If you are the victim of a crime on the rail network, you can discreetly report by texting 61016 or by calling 0800 405040. Always call 999 in an emergency.

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A former house parent at a Scarborough children’s home has been jailed for 18 months for sexually abusing a child in his care in the 1970s.

John William Laister, 83, of no fixed address, currently residing in Full Sutton Prison where he is serving an 12-year sentence for similar crimes, was jailed at York Crown Court on Tuesday 20 May 2025.

He previously pleaded guilty on 4 February 2025 to indecent assault on a boy under the age of 14 years.

Laister was previously employed as a house parent at May Lodge children's home in Scarborough. In 1970, a boy resident at the home, was in bed recovering from major surgery when Laister entered his room and put his hands down the child's pyjamas and sexually assaulted him.

The victim has lived with this for over 50 years and recently found the courage to report the abuse to the police.

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An 84-year-old man has been jailed for over 22 years for sexually abusing two young children.

David John Hampshire, 84, of Pickering, North Yorkshire was jailed for 22 years and 8 months, and put on the sex offenders register for life.

The incidents were reported in December 2022, when the first victim told their parents about the abuse, which took place over an eight-year period, starting when they were five-years-old and continuing until they were 13.

During the investigation, it transpired that Hampshire had sexually abused another younger child when they were three, who had reported the abuse at the time, however Hampshire was not prosecuted at that stage.

Speaking after the sentencing yesterday (13 May) at York Crown Court, Detective Constable Lucie Welford of North Yorkshire Police’s Safeguarding Investigation Team said: "Hampshire is an incredibly dangerous offender who has caused huge suffering to the victims and their families and has shown absolutely no remorse for the horrendous abuse he inflicted.

“I would like to praise the victims for their bravery and for supporting the investigation throughout, helping to ensure that Hampshire was brought to justice. Hopefully today's sentencing brings them an element of closure, and they can begin to move forward with their lives.”

The court heard how during his career Hampshire had been a headteacher at an Anglo-Indian school in India before working as a teacher at a high school in Norfolk, UK.

Speaking about the length of time that has passed since the offences took place, Detective Constable Welford continued: “This case demonstrates that no matter when the abuse occurred, it is no barrier to justice. We are absolutely committed to bringing those responsible for such offences before the court, regardless of how much time has passed.

“We would urge any victims of sexual abuse, no matter when it happened, and even if you have never reported it to the police, to come forward. Our specially trained officers will listen, investigate, and work alongside partners to offer you the support you need.”

In his personal statement, the older victim described how the abuse had caused them to “fall into a numbness” that hindered them from making healthy normal relationships with people.

Their mother also described how the abuse has had a “huge” and “lasting” effect on her child and how she has spent many sleepless nights worrying about them.

The other victim spoke about how what Hampshire did to them affected “every aspect” of their life, “from childhood to now” and how the memories of what happened still haunt them.

After the incidents were reported, Hampshire was arrested, and following a long and complex investigation by North Yorkshire Police, which took officers seven months alone to examine the material on Hampshire’s computer, he was charged with the following offences:

• Four counts of rape of a child under 13
• Three counts of causing or inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity
• Two counts of assault of a child under 13 by penetration
• Two counts of sexual assault of a child under 13
• One count of sexual activity with a child
• One court of indecent assault on a male person He denied the offences but changed his plea to guilty in April this year.

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A 55-year-old man was caught in an undercover sting after he sent "revolting" messages to what he thought was a 13-year-old girl. Simon Clayden from Bridlington sent "terrible" and "repulsive" sexual messages to a decoy teenager in an online chat app on December 30, 2022.

Hull Crown Court heard how the messages would have been "highly corrupting" if the girl had been real. However, her online account was all part of a police operation to identify and deter online perverts from potentially harming actual children. He admitted attempting to communicate sexually with a child, attempting to cause or incite a child to engage in sexual activity and two offences of making indecent images of children.

Ashleigh Metcalfe, prosecuting, said the fake girl told Clayden she was 13 but he replied "cool" and asked her what she was wearing. He asked to see her naked and continued to send sexualised messages, including asking explicit questions, reports HullLive.

He told her "I won't tell" and said he liked the fact that she was just 13. The messages were all apparently sent on just one day. Clayden seemingly stopped sending them voluntarily and there had been no repetition, said Miss Metcalfe.

What Clayden was saying in the messages was "quite revolting" and "repulsive" and the "terrible talk" by him would have been "highly corrupting" if it had been a real 13-year-old girl, the court heard.

The messages were passed to the police, who went to Clayden's home on February 2, 2023 after identifying him from his online details.

His phone was searched and police found five indecent images of children in Category B and 22 in Category C, dating from between October 2020 and February 2023.

The children involved in the images were aged between four and 16. Sexual acts were involved. During police interview, he denied any sexual interest in children and denied any knowledge of the images of children on his phone.

David Camidge, mitigating, said Clayden had no previous convictions and pleaded guilty. There was some evidence of minimisation during a probation service interview but Clayden accepted what he had done.

"He always intended to plead guilty," said Mr Camidge. "There is a realistic prospect of rehabilitation. He doesn't present a risk to the public or it can be managed in the community."

Clayden was given a 16-month suspended prison sentence, a sex offenders' treatment programme and 15 days' rehabilitation. He was given a 10-year sexual harm prevention order and he must register as a sex offender for 10 years.

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Police found a huge secret stash of more than 12,300 indecent images of children after they went to the home of an online pervert and carried out a search of his internet devices.

Some of the sickening images that were found showed very young children who were clearly in pain from the sexual abuse that they had suffered at the hands of people exploiting them, Hull Crown Court heard.

Lawrence McKee, 38, of Copandale Road, Molescroft, Beverley, admitted three offences of making indecent images of children.

Maya Hanson, prosecuting, said that police received information on July 23, 2023 that indecent images of children had been linked to an IP address for McKee. They went to his home on September 28 of that year and seized a number of items.

They were examined and a "high volume" of 12,334 images of children, including videos, were found. They included 457 in the most serious Category A, 231 in Category B and 11,646 in Category C. At least one of the children featured was as young as between one and two years old. Some of them were shown in pain from what was happening to them.

Chantelle Stocks, mitigating, said that McKee had shown a willingness to take part in any probation service activities that were imposed on him as part of a community order. He did not oppose the forfeiture and destruction of the items that were seized from him.

He had already registered as a sex offender and he had pleaded guilty at a hearing before Hull Magistrates' Court. He had no previous convictions.

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An “evil and foul” man who sexually abused a little girl in North Yorkshire has been jailed for 12 years.

Gary Henshall recorded himself sexually abusing the girl in the middle of the night, York Crown Court heard.

Tom Jackson, prosecuting, said the light on the paedophile’s phone would wake her, and he persisted in what he was doing as she tried to stop him, by moving away from him.

“He is the most selfish, evil and foul old man,” the victim said in a personal statement.

She said the abuse had affected her mental health so much it had drastically affected her education.

Mr Jackson said the girl eventually stopped the abuse by telling her family about it.

Following Henshall’s arrest, police found a video he had made of himself alone performing a sex act, making sexual comments about children and pretending to be a six-year-old girl.

He had previous convictions from the 1980s for child sexual abuse.

After the girl had stood up to Henshall, the paedophile had “manipulated” and delayed the court process by initially denying the charges, then pleading guilty, then trying unsuccessfully to change his plea back to not guilty and finally not turning up to his sentencing hearing, so that North Yorkshire Police had to locate him and fetch him from Leeds.

The Recorder of York, Judge Sean Morris, said Henshall “twisted the knife” by not turning up to court.

Henshall, 65, formerly of the Caravan Park at Scalm Park, Wistow near Selby, and later of Batley, pleaded guilty to five sexual assaults and was given a 17-year extended prison sentence, consisting of a 12-year prison term plus five years extended prison licence.

For the rest of his life he will be on the sex offenders’ register and subject to a sexual harm prevention order to protect all children from him and a restraining order to protect the girl including after she becomes an adult.

For Henshall, Kevin Batch said the defendant understood the “devastation” he had brought the girl and no words would come “anywhere to alleviate that level of distress and suffering”.

Detective Constable Sophie Wilson, of North Yorkshire Police, who led the investigation, said: “This has been a very difficult case, and I cannot praise the victim and her family enough for standing up for what is right and seeking justice against Henshall.

“Henshall also dragged out their suffering by repeatedly changing his plea. The judge’s intervention ensured that justice has been served, and I hope the victim and her family can draw strength from the outcome at court.” 

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A man who subjected a teenage girl to repeated sexual offences and told her she would not be believed has been jailed for 14 years.  

Kyle Burns, 33, was sentenced at Leeds Crown Court on Monday (14 April), after earlier being found guilty of two counts of rape, two of sexual assault and two of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child. 

The victim came forward to police in July 2024, and her report was investigated by specially trained officers from the Kirklees District Safeguarding Unit.  

The judge told Burns, of Robertson Terrace in Cleckheaton, that he must serve two-thirds of his sentence in custody and made him the subject of a sexual harm prevention order and a restraining order. Burns was also ordered to sign the Sex Offenders’ Register. 

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Charles Andrew Chapman, 61, of Sycamore Road, Barlby, Selby, has today (Thursday 27 March 2025) been sentenced to 20 years’ imprisonment for the non-recent sexual abuse of two girls in the Harrogate area.

• He was found guilty of all 19 offences at York Crown Court on 27 February 2025.
• They happened more than a decade ago and include:
• Rape of a girl under 13
• Assault a girl under 13 by penetration
• Cause or incite a girl under 13 to engage in sexual activity (both penetration and no penetration)
• Cause or incite a girl aged 13-15 to engage in penetrative sexual activity
• Assault a girl under 13 by penetration
• Assault a girl under 13 by touching
• Engage in penetrative sexual activity with a girl aged 13-15
• Engage in non-penetrative sexual activity with a girl aged 13-15
• Engage in sexual activity in the presence of a child under 13
• Attempt to engage in sexual activity in the presence of a child aged 13-15

As well as the custodial sentence to which he must serve an additional one-year on licence, Chapman has also been placed on the Register of Sex Offenders for life and been made subject of an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

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Terrence James Waters, 82, (DOB: 17/06/1942) from Driffield in East Yorkshire, who used his position to sexually abuse young boys over more than a decade, was sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment earlier today (26 March) at Hull Crown Court after pleading guilty to and being convicted of 36 non-recent offences, including indecent assault, indecency with a child and buggery.

The case involved 14 complainants aged between seven and 13 years at the time, who all provided evidence of being abused by Waters in the late 1970s and throughout the 1980s.

The majority of the abuse, which involved 12 of his former pupils, took place between 1978 and 1984. Waters also sexually abused two boys at several other locations, including his address in Old Woking, between 1984 and 1988.

Waters had already pleaded guilty to a number of the offences, including 20 counts of indecent assault and seven counts of indecency with a child, prior to the trial at an earlier hearing.

During the trial he pleaded guilty to a further five offences, including gross indecency with a child and four counts of indecent assault.

The jury subsequently found him guilty of a further four offences, including indecent assault, gross indecency with a child and two counts of buggery.

Waters was able to use his position as a teacher to target young boys, with the abuse taking place in the art building, which was located away from the main school building and contained a darkroom for developing photographs, and a specially constructed loft area. He also organised camping trips in the school holidays where further abuse took place.

Waters would take naked photographs of his victims in exchange for favours or payment, or on a false pretence that they were modelling for sculptures or for book covers.

One of the victims described the effect on his life after being abused as a young boy:
“I found following the abuse that I avoided making friends with boys and men. I have struggled since that age with my weight as eating became a comfort and would make me forget about things, I suffered with depression and still have this impacting on my life today which requires me to take medication. As a result of what happened to me, I found I repressed my sexuality and missed out on many years of being who I am.”

Remarking on the abuse he suffered some 40 years ago, another victim said:
“First of all, I would like to thank sincerely Surrey Police in the last five years of this investigation. I would like you to hear the voice of the eleven-year-old child that I was then. Allen House school was a small, seemingly safe prep school, set in beautiful grounds outside Woking. Terry Waters was a popular teacher who used his position of trust to groom and sexually little boys in his care.

“When the investigation began in 2019, wounds that had closed over 35 years started to reopen. The old sense of guilt, the old sense of secrecy, the old sense of dark favouritism had returned. Some may say that we were complicit, however we were eleven-year-old children, and a child cannot legally consent to sexual activity.”

Speaking about the abuse he suffered, another victim said:
“I cannot explain why it is that I don’t feel angry when I think about what he did to me. I feel empty. When you are abused as a child, abuse seems normal. In later life, you expect abuse, or even subconsciously seek it out.

“Abuse twists your relationship with the world. It takes a beautiful and innocent time, and it scars it. It changes the way you look at physical relationships. I tried to lock those feelings away. Of course, they come to the surface in other ways.”

Detective Inspector Ross Linaker, who led the investigation, said: “Waters was a sexual predator who used his position as a trusted member of staff at a well-respected school to abuse and violate innocent young boys.

“The outcome in the court today is the result of a lengthy and complex investigation and shows that no matter how long ago the abuse took place, we will always carry out a thorough investigation to seek justice and ensure perpetrators are punished for their actions.