Grooming multiple teenage girls.

Naval Cadet Instructor Jailed for Child Sex Abuse

A naval cadet instructor who appeared in this week's episode of "24 Hours In Police Custody" has been sentenced to four and a half years in prison for child sex abuse.

Alex Johnston, 30, of Ennerdale Close, Bletchley, was found guilty at Luton Crown Court on Tuesday after admitting to five counts of engaging in sexual activity with a girl aged between 13 and 15.

The court heard that Johnston began grooming two of his cadets in 2013. He sent them messages, cultivated a relationship with them, and eventually engaged in sexual activity with them.

Johnston paid one of his victims £50 per month to keep her from reporting the abuse. However, the victim contacted the police in 2015 after completing a child safeguarding course and realizing that Johnston had been abusing his position of trust.

Detective Inspector Richard Tilling, from the Bedfordshire Police Child and Vulnerable Adult Abuse unit, stated: "Johnston abused his position of trust to take advantage of two young girls, grooming them and engaging in sexual activity with them despite knowing they were under the age of consent. We will not tolerate child sexual abuse of any kind."

Tilling continued, "I hope that this sentence gives Johnston a chance to reflect on his actions while serving as a warning to people who think they can get away with this type of behavior. I'd like to praise the bravery of both the victims in speaking out and hope that this allows them to begin to move on with their lives."

The case involving Johnston was featured in the "24 Hours In Police Custody" episode titled "Their Time Will Come" on Monday, June 12.