82-YEAR-OLD FORMER TEACHER JAILED FOR DECADES OF CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE
Former art teacher, 82, jailed after abusing boys including at his 'secret sex club'He has been locked up for what could be a 'death sentence' after using 'classic grooming behaviour' targeting vulnerable boys decades agoAn 82-year-old retired art teacher named James Waters, who abused 14 boys including at his "secret sex club," has been sentenced to 14 years in prison.He faced numerous charges, including 36 sexual offences such as 25 counts of indecent assault, 9 counts of indecency with a child, and 2 serious sexual offences (buggery), dating back to the 1980s.
Waters, residing in Beeford near Bridlington, was convicted by a jury after a trial lasting over two weeks, of four charges including the two most serious.
He had earlier admitted the remaining offences.Prosecutor Daniel Stephenson stated that the abuse mainly involved boys aged 8 to 12, employing grooming tactics such as inviting them for photography sessions in exchange for payment, followed by sexual acts.
The court heard about a "secret sex club" where Waters engaged in activities like skinny dipping, and took boys to dark rooms and loft areas for sexual activities, including the use of baby oil.
Waters also encouraged the boys to play strip poker, told one boy, "Don't tell anyone what happens.
We'll keep it a secret," and gave others pornographic magazines.
The abuse included taking nude photographs and performing sexual acts, with some boys being rewarded for their cooperation.
Waters' actions had a profound impact on the victims, who were particularly vulnerable due to being away from their parents and in a trusting environment.Waters was previously jailed in 1988 for six offences of indecent assault and photographs, and later served again for similar offences in 1994, with additional convictions into the 2000s, including a suspended sentence in 2011.
Despite his criminal history, Waters had shown remorse and control over his urges, and had been living under strict supervision, including being monitored by police, after a life of offending.Judge Tahir Khan KC emphasized the gravity of Waters' offences, stating that such offending must be met with a significant sentence, regardless of how many years had passed.
He pointed out the abuse was rooted in Waters' position of trust as a teacher at a preparatory school, where pupils were away from their parents and feared teachers.
Waters, also known as Terence James Waters, will be on extended licence for one year upon release, having already been under a sexual harm prevention order and required to register as a sex offender for life.
The judge and prosecutor echoed that justice has been served after nearly 50 years of delayed prosecution, and stressed that Waters' past abuse and current sentence reflect the serious nature of his crimes.
