Former youth worker, 75 jailed for sex abuse

A FORMER youth worker has been jailed for sexually abusing a teenage boy – 41 years after the offences took place.

Malcolm Down, who used to be the assistant leader of Saltash Youth Club, was jailed for 18 months at Truro Magistrates' Court.

The 75-year-old, of New Road, Saltash, admitted to three specimen counts of indecent assault on his victim who, because of the shame he felt, did not tell police until after his mother died last year.

Defence counsel Siobhan Molloy told the court that despite considerable press coverage no other complainant had come forward.

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Down, she said, had been a hard worker throughout his life, did a lot for local charities and had health problems.

But, addressing Down, Judge John Neligan said he had abused a position of trust.

"There is no evidence of you being a significant risk to others, and you have committed no similar offences in the past 40 years," he said. "But there has to be immediate custody to recognise that sexual offences committed against teenagers is very serious."

In a statement, Down's victim said he now led an isolated and lonely existence following the abuse.

Down must sign the sex offenders register for ten years.