Sea Cadet Instructor Jailed for Decade-Long Child Sex Abuse
Alan Waters, 73, of Fareham, Hampshire, was sentenced at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Thursday, 28 October. Waters sexually abused four boys between 1971 and 1981 while working as a sea cadet instructor.
Abuse Spanned 10 Years, Victims Were Just Boys
The victims were sea cadets aged 11 to 15. Waters exploited his senior officer status to sexually assault the boys over multiple occasions during the ten-year period. He targeted them when he was alone and they were most vulnerable.
Early Reports Ignored, Fresh Investigations Lead to Justice
The first complaint came in 2006 but was dropped because Waters was serving time in India for other child sex offences. It wasn’t until a second allegation surfaced in 2016 that police launched a new investigation. Another victim stepped forward in 2017, with a fourth eventually identified, linking all the cases to Waters.
Detective Praises Victims’ Courage
“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,” said Detective Sergeant Phil McElhone.
“I hope Waters’ sentencing brings some closure to the victims. Their bravery will encourage others to speak out about abuse, whether recent or historic.
The Metropolitan Police Service remains committed to pursuing justice and supporting victims of sexual abuse.”
