A volunteer scout leader, children's nurse and babysitter denied committing dozens of sex offences against teenage boys over 30 years.

Ian Silvester, 59, pleaded not guilty to 76 charges against 19 teens.

The youngest boys were 13 years old.

A court heard some of the alleged offences were filmed by Silvester.

He listened for more than 15 minutes as the details of each charge were read out at Brighton Magistrates Court.

Silvester, of Locks Hill, Portslade, was arrested following a two-year investigation by Sussex Police.


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Over the time span of the charges he was a Scout leader, children's nurse, St John Ambulance volunteer, diving instructor, first aid trainer and babysitter around Brighton, Worthing, Lancing and other locations in Sussex.

The earliest alleged offence was in 1986 and the latest in 2016.

Wearing a black jacket and cargo trousers, Silvester confirmed his name, address and date of birth before answering not guilty to all 76 counts.

Prosecutor Melanie Wootton told the court there were elements of grooming and targeting very young, vulnerable people.

"He was still babysitting and still in contact with vulnerable adults up until the pandemic," she said.

Silvester denies 73 indecent assaults and three counts of downloading indecent images of children.

District Judge Amanda Kelly remanded Silvester in custody to appear at Lewes Crown Court on February 7.