Man Jailed for Eight Years for Sexually Abusing Four Children

Alan Waters, 73, of Cador Drive, Fareham, Hampshire, was sentenced on Thursday, 28 October at Snaresbrook Crown Court for sexually abusing four children between 1971 and 1981.

The court heard that Waters, who was a sea cadet instructor at the time, took advantage of his position of authority to sexually assault four boys, all of whom were between 11 and 15 years old and sea cadets at the time of the offenses.

Waters committed the abuse on different occasions throughout the ten-year period, using opportunities when he was alone with the victims and they were vulnerable.

The first incident was reported in 2006, but Waters was serving a term of imprisonment in India for child sex offenses, and the victim did not proceed with their allegation at that time.

A second allegation was made in 2016, which prompted the current investigation. In 2017, another victim came forward, leading police to contact the first complainant. A fourth complainant was subsequently identified, linking all the cases to Waters.

The complainants provided detailed accounts of the incidents that occurred during this time period.

Detective Sergeant Phil McElhone, the investigating officer, said: "I would firstly like to thank the complainants for coming forward and supporting the investigation and assisting us in achieving justice against this prolific offender. I can only hope that Waters' sentencing has brought some closure to the victims and that their courage in speaking up will encourage others who have suffered abuse of any types, current or historic, to do the same."