Swindon Teaching Assistant Jailed for 20 Years Over Child Sex Crimes
Sam Powers, 28, a former teaching assistant from Swindon, has been slapped with a 20-year custodial sentence for raping a minor and committing multiple child sex offences. The Gloucester Crown Court sentenced him today after he pleaded guilty to 44 additional counts of child sexual abuse.
16 Years Behind Bars, 4 on Licence, Plus 25 Years on Sex Offenders Register
Powers will serve 16 years in prison, followed by four years on licence. He must also register as a sex offender and has been slapped with a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) lasting at least 25 years.
Detective Praises Brave Survivors for Bringing Predator to Justice
“I want to pay tribute to the numerous survivors who bravely came forward to give evidence which has led to Powers’ conviction,” said Detective Sergeant Zoe Purnell. “This was a complex investigation that revealed Powers as a predatory paedophile who exploited his position to groom and abuse young people.”
DS Purnell added that Powers deliberately sought opportunities to work closely with minors to satisfy his “selfish desires.”
Police Hope Sentence Offers Closure and Encourages Other Victims to Speak Out
DS Purnell expressed hope that the lengthy jail term would bring closure to survivors and encourage others to come forward. “We are here to help you. You will be listened to, and we have trained officers working with partner organisations to support victims in any way we can,” she stressed.
For help and support, victims can visit the wiltshire.police.uk/support-for-victims-of-rape-and-sexual-assault" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Wiltshire Police support page for victims of rape and sexual assault.
