Sea Scout volunteer who abused boys for over a decade has now been jailed

Sea Scout volunteer, Martin Daniels now aged 66, has been jailed for nine years after admitting sexual offences against three boys. The abuse spanned between 1980 and 1991.

In a statement read out by court, one of the boy’s details how he is now unable to fulfil relationships. He said ‘if Martin Daniels hadn’t managed to put on such a nice personality, he would have never got into my family. He groomed my whole family.’

Another victim spoke on how the abuse started when he was aged only seven years old.  He described how the abuse involved Daniels playing with the boy before engaging in sexual contact. The boy recounts shouting at Daniels to stop repeatedly. 

As a result of the abuse, the survivor suffers with depression and suicidal thoughts. 

A mother of one of the boys has also spoken out about how she knew nothing of the abuse for decades and feels pride for her son for being able to come forward. 

A statement in court detailed how Daniels was also abused as a child and how he ‘struggled to live his life as he would have wished, feeling shame about his sexuality.'

It was heard, ‘he was himself subjected to a very nasty incident at the age of seven. I say, on behalf of Mr Daniels, being abused gives a very distorted view of sexual relationships.

‘It's clear it did not occur to him there would be long-lasting consequences to his behaviour, but as he grew older and knew the consequences of being the victim of a serious sexual assault, he knew that others would be as well.’

Judge Bates said to Daniels, ‘your three victims were aged between seven and 15 when you targeted them. They have at last been able to speak about these matters. They should have hoped they could have fulfilled in their adult life healthy relationships with other people, but your abuse destroyed all that.’

Jordans Solicitors – helping victims of sexual abuse claim compensation.

If you have been a victim of physical and/or sexual abuse and would like to speak to one of our Specialist Abuse Lawyers in confidence, please do not hesitate to contact us.

We have the knowledge and experience to advise you on the available options for pursuing a Criminal Injuries Compensation Claim and/or civil damages claim.

Our Sexual Abuse Compensation Team can be contacted by telephoning 08009555094 or 03303001103.