Former scout leader found guilty of sexually abusing boys over 30 year period
A former scout leader who sexually abused boys as young as seven has been found guilty of committing 79 offences over nearly 30 years.
Ian Silvester befriended young victims and their families through roles including as a diving instructor, St John Ambulance trainer, first aid trainer and babysitter between 1986 and 2013.
The 60-year-old, of Brighton, manipulated the children under the guise of playing an innocent game or taking part in an educational activity for his own sexual gratification, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said.
After he was arrested, indecent images of children and photos and videos of his victims being assaulted by Silvester were found on his devices seized by police from his home.
He was convicted of assaulting 19 boys following a trial at Lewes Crown Court.
Emma Lile, specialist prosecutor for the CPS, said: “Ian Silvester’s crimes are particularly disturbing given the various roles he held over many years where he was entrusted with the responsibility of caring for and safeguarding children.
“He abused these positions in the worst possible way and took advantage of young boys.
“Silvester tried to claim that what he was doing was innocent, denying that his behaviour was sexually motivated. However, the prosecution was able to piece together a large amount of evidence which refuted these claims and present it to a jury who saw through his lies and found him guilty.”
Sussex Police detective constable Nicky Beard added: “Each of the victims has shown admirable courage to support the investigation against Silvester, and I would like to thank each of them for their support.
“If you are a victim of sexual offending, no matter how long ago, please report it to the police online, via 101 or by calling 999 in an emergency. You will be believed and supported, and we will do all we can to get you justice.”
Silvester was found guilty by a jury of 44 counts of indecent assault on a male, 25 counts of sexual activity with a child, four counts of sexual assault, two counts of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, two counts of sexual assault of a child under 13 and two counts of making indecent photos of children.
A Scouts spokesman said Silvester will never again be allowed to volunteer with the movement and he has had no contact with their members since he left in 1994.
“There is no place in the organisation for anyone who behaves in this way,” the spokesman said.
“Throughout the investigation into these non-recent offences we have fully co-operated with the statutory authorities. The safety of young people in our care is our number one priority and we condemn the crimes committed by Silvester.”
Silvester will be sentenced on February 7, 2025.
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