A national child welfare charity has urged victims of child abuse to come forward following the conviction of a former police officer and Spalding scout leader.
The National Society for the Protection of Cruelty to Children says it hopes the guilty verdict for John Edward Bates at Lincoln Crown Court on Thursday (May 19) sends out a clear message to other child abusers that they will be caught and punished.
An NSPCC spokesman said: “Bates took advantage of the authority entrusted in him as a police officer and scout leader.
“He has committed pernicious crimes against vulnerable children who should never have been at risk of sexual abuse.
“We hope this sends a message to perpetrators of historic abuse that they cannot hide from the law.
“We also urge other victims of child abuse to come forward to allow the police to investigate such crimes. Anyone who has concerns about abuse or who is a victim can call the NSPCC’s helpline on 0808 800 5000.”
Following Bates’ sentencing on Friday (May 20) when he was given 20 years’ jail, the NSPCC said: “Bates’ victims showed tremendous courage in reporting his hideous crimes to the police.
“We hope this case shows complaints will be taken seriously and that offenders can be held to account, no matter how privileged a position they held in society.
“By denying his crimes, Bates put his victims through the ordeal of a trial and subjected them to unnecessary suffering by insisting their recounts were lies.
“Communities must remain vigilant and alert to the kind of abuse Bates was guilty of. Anyone with concerns and victims themselves can call the NSPCC’s helpline on 0808 800 5000. Help and support children can contact ChildLine 24 hours a day, 365 days a year on 0800 1111 or by visiting www.childline.org.uk.”
