20-year sentence for child sex abuser John Edward Bates

Child sex abuser John Edward Bates was handed a 20-year jail sentence on Friday.(May 20)

The former Lincolnshire police officer and Spalding scout leader was convicted on Thursday of 16 charges of indecent assault and two charges of indecency with a child, dating back to the 1970s and 1980s.

Judge Simon Hirst told Bates: “You were entrusted with the welfare of these complainants and you abused that trust in the most grotesque way possible by systematically abusing each of them.

“All of this took place when you were a scout leader and all of it involved the sexual abuse of young boys aged between 10 and 15 years of age.

“It is clear that in their different ways all of the victims have been profoundly affected by your abuse of them. You did them all real, lasting damage. You did it for no other reason than to obtain gratification for yourself.”

The court was told that in 1983 Bates was jailed for four years for sexual abuse of young boys he met through his role as a scout leader.

The judge praised the bravery of the victims and the sensitivity with which Det Sgt Tim Wilkinson, and Lincolnshire Police Emerald Team, handled the case.

After the hearing, Det Sgt Wilkinson said: “He has never admitted his offences. It does not seem to have registered with him what the effect of his abuse has done to these people. He abused so many people who trusted him.”

“It is thanks to the bravery and strength of the victims in this case that we could be here today to see Bates handed a significant custodial sentence. We will do all we can to bring a case to court. I hope this shows people who have suffered abuse that they should come forward – we can help. Nobody should ever be allowed to get away with this.”

Bates will serve up to ten years in prison and a further ten years on licence.