Sussex ex-Scout leader and children's nurse sentenced to 22 years over 79 child sex offences
Ian Silvester, of Portslade, who showed "a clear interest in young boys", also worked as a baby sitter and a children's nurse
Last updated 7th Feb 2025
A Sussex ex-Scout leader who showed a "clear interest in young boys" has been handed a 22 year sentence after committing 79 child sex offences over a period of 25 years.
60 year old Ian Silvester, of Locks Hill in Portslade, sexually assaulted 19 boys between 1986 and 2011 while working in positions of trust - including as a children's nurse and a babysitter.
He used "first aid training" as an excuse to inappropriately touch his victims.
Silvester was described by the judge as a "pedophile hiding in plain sight", after Lewes Crown Court heard victim impact statements detailing how Silvester often preyed on vulnerable boys, often becoming friendly with their families, with his offences having a lifelong impact on their relationships.
It also heard the offences were a "gross abuse of trust, grooming and targeting of each of the victims."
After his arrest, it was revealed Silvester owned various devices containing over two million media articles showing a sexual interest in young boys - including 68 indecent images of children.
He also videoed "many" of the children he abused, without their "knowledge or consent".
Silvester was found guilty of 44 counts of indecent assault, 25 counts of non-penetrative sexual activity with a child, two counts of causing a child to engage in sexual activity, two counts of sexual activity with a child under 13 and two counts of making an indecent image of a child at Lewes Crown Court on the 20th November 2024.
He's been handed a 22 year sentence, with 16 in jail and 6 on licence.
Investigating Officer Nicky Beard said: “Ian Silvester’s behaviour and lifestyle displays a clear, sexual interest in young boys that he proactively pursued with no regard for the harm he caused.
“The quantity of victims and charges brought against him show a committed offender who has betrayed the trust of all the positions of responsibility he has held.
“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.”