A MAN has been found guilty of 35 sexual offences against children.

Robert Wain, formerly from Woolwich and now of Victoria Street in Gillingham, was convicted at Woolwich Crown Court today (May 18) of the historic abuse, which happened in the 1990s.

The 59-year-old was found guilty of 17 counts of indecent assault on a boy under 16, three counts of buggery and six of rape.

He was also guilty of attempting to indecently assault a boy under 16, four counts of sexual assault of a child under 13 and three counts of sexual activity with a child.

He will be sentenced at the same court on May 25.

The court heard that during the 1990s Wain targeted young boys from his area.

He was in his 30s at the time and living in Woolwich.

One of the victims came forward in January 2020 and an investigation was launched.

Police enquiries led to names of other potential victims who were known to attend Wain’s flats.

They were found and made allegations of sexual abuse against Wain that dated back to when they were children.

Wain was charged in September 2020.

DC Andy Khan, the investigating officer, said: “Robert Wain is a manipulative sexual predator who targeted, groomed and sexually abused young, vulnerable boys over a significant period of time.

“I would like to pay tribute to the seven complainants for having the strength and courage to come forward and disclose the details of the sexual abuse Wain subjected them to.

“Five of the complainants have had to live with these horrific memories for over 20 years.

“All the complainants have attended court to give evidence and once again shown immense bravery.

“I can’t thank them enough and I hope as a result of this trial they can start to move on with their lives, knowing their abuser has finally been brought to justice.

“What this case shows is those who have suffered non-recent sexual abuse will be supported and their allegations will be vigorously investigated.

“The Met Police will do all it can to bring abusers to justice.

“If anyone has been the victim of non-recent sexual abuse I would urge them to come forward and tell us, we have specially trained officers who will listen and help.

“I know many of these victims have suffered years of torment as a result of the abuse they have suffered - by coming forward we can ensure that those responsible are properly punished.”

A Met Police spokesman said Wain perpetrated a “horrific scale of abuse” and some of his victims were as young as ten.

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