Vulnerable young boys were “groomed into an environment of sexual abuse," a court has heard.
A jury at Lewes Crown Court was told by prosecutor Lesley Bates how several boys were "recruited" by Ian Silvester, of Locks Hill in Portslade, to his first aid training company where they were allegedly touched to, they were told, prepare them for demonstrations during Silvester’s courses.
Silvester is currently on trial over 83 charges of sexual abuse.
The boys were paid around £10 an hour to complete menial admin tasks such as hole punching for Silvester, 60, as well as to receive training to act as a pretend casualty during demonstrations on his first aid course.
During the time spent at the office, it was reported that the boys were touched and tickled on their bare chests, using his hands or objects such as feathers and ice cubes. It was reported that Silvester also used water and Fairy liquid.
On another occasion, he used snow during a blizzard and rubbed it on a boy’s chest.
It was reported that the boys were told they were being trained to be “good casualties” and to not move when they were touched.
Ms Bates said: “These boys were groomed into that environment.
“Creating the environment in which everything seemed to be fun.
“Very often these boys were vulnerable.”
One described Silvester to police as “like a father figure to him” and “someone he trusted”.
Ms Bates told the court that one of the males suffered from anxiety and depression.
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He was sexually assaulted by Silvester on multiple occasions into adulthood, the court heard, as he was tied to chairs while his penis was touched.
Ms Bates told the court that Silvester’s “status and trust” allowed him to deceive the males that “what he was doing was legitimate”.
More footage was shown to the court of two males being touched, tickled and poked, with one in only his boxer shorts. The males in the footage report not being aware of being filmed.
Silvester faces 83 charges of sexual abuse, to which he pleaded not guilty.
The trial continues at Lewes Crown Court.
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