Ian Silvester 60

Description

A Hove man whose jobs gave him repeated access to children has been convicted of dozens of child sex offences.

Ian Silvester, 60, of Locks Hill in Portslade, worked as a Scout leader, childrens nurse, St Johns Ambulance worker, diving instructor, first aid trainer and babysitter over several decades.

He was also a registered nurse and registered childrens nurse, before being struck off by the Nursing and Midwifery Council in 2015.

Over a period of 25 years between 1986 and 2011 Silvester sexually assaulted 19 boys linked to several of his roles of trust, including the Scouts and his various businesses.

Many of the assaults took place under the guise of first aid training, during which Silvester would sexually touch his victims.

Following Silvesters arrest, digital devices were found containing more than two million media articles suggesting a sexual interest in young boys, including 68 indecent images of children.

He was subsequently charged and 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 Wednesday (20 November), he was found guilty of all charges.

He has been remanded in custody to await sentencing at the same court on 7 February, 2025.