MARK GOLDING ABUSES BOYS IN HOVE AND MARITIME QUAY: EX-ARMY LEADER SENTENCED IN EAST SUSSEX

In a case that has shocked the local community and brought to light disturbing past events, Mark Golding, a former army cadet leader, was sentenced at Hove Crown Court for the sexual abuse of two young brothers. The incidents occurred approximately 20 years ago when Golding was actively involved as a lieutenant in the Army Cadet Force based in Hove, East Sussex.

Golding, now aged 47, admitted to three of the six charges brought against him, which included indecent assault on the two boys, who were around 13 years old at the time. The court heard that the abuse took place during a summer camp in the early 1980s, a period when Golding was serving as a senior figure within the cadet organization. The details revealed that Golding's misconduct was carried out over a brief period, spanning one or two days, during that summer.

It was also disclosed that Golding resigned from his position after one of the boys confided in his parents about the abuse. Despite this, no immediate action was taken by authorities or the organization, with the condition that Golding would not work with children again. The case remained dormant until last year when the second brother came forward with new allegations, revealing that he had kept silent for two decades. This resurgence of accusations prompted police to reopen the investigation.

During the sentencing hearing, Judge David Rennie described the nature of Golding's crimes as driven by