Ian Silvester, 60, of Locks Hill in Portslade, worked as a Scout leader, children’s nurse, St John’s Ambulance worker, diving instructor, first aid trainer and babysitter over several decades.
He was also a registered nurse and registered children’s 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 Silvester’s 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.
Detective Constable 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 9
