A man who used his position of trust to abuse his friends’ children has been jailed for 13 years.

At Peterborough Crown Court today Adam Aitken, 28, of Kinnears Walk, Orton Goldhay, was sentenced to 13 years imprisonment after previously pleading guilty to six serious sexual offences against children.

The court heard how Aitken befriended his five male victims after forming close relationships with their parents and carers.

He would take the young boys on trips out or invite them into his home but then used his position of trust to carry out abuse on his victims.

The abuse dates back to 2008 when he sexually abused a 14-year-boy during a fishing trip.

Aitken then went on to sexually abuse another 14-year-old at his home during a sleepover.

The court heard he would buy sweets and junk food for his youngest victim, who was aged between eight and 10, when he was sexually assaulted during sleepovers.

Aitken’s fourth victim was aged 12 and 13 when he was raped and sexually assaulted.

The court also heard how Aitken would watch films and play on the computer with his fifth victim. He would play truth and dare games and show the 11-year-old adult pornography at his home.

In addition to these offences, in considering the most appropriate sentence, the Judge took into account other inappropriate behaviour Aitken had demonstrated against other children.

Senior Investigating Officer from Cambridgeshire Constabulary’s Public Protection Department, Detective Chief Inspector Jon McAdam, said: “Aitken is a calculated and dangerous individual who positioned himself to gain the trust of parents and guardians to abuse children.

“What is clear from the victim’s accounts, was how Aitken would groom them, buying gifts and taking them on holiday, and then sexually abuse them and threaten them in to silence.

“The victims have shown great bravery in coming forward to support the investigation, without whom we could not have achieved this outcome and prevented Aitken from harming them further or preying on other victims.

“It is hoped that today’s outcome will go some way to helping them cope and recover from what has been a horrendous ordeal for anyone to be subjected to.

“This case has been complex in its nature to investigate and is an example of the commitment of Cambridgeshire Constabulary and Peterborough City Council safeguarding the most vulnerable. Social workers worked closely with police to prepare and talk to the children involved and enable them to tell us what they had experienced.”

“We take all reports of abuse seriously and have a dedicated team of experienced officers to respond. We would actively encourage anyone affected to contact us.”

DCI McAdam added: “Given the level of offending shown by Aitken, it is anticipated there could be other victims. We believe he had links to the Bedfordshire, Gloucestershire, Hertfordshire, Kent, Lincolnshire, Norfolk, Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire, Surrey, West Yorkshire and Scotland areas.

“We have specially trained officers available to anyone who would like to discuss their individual case, please call the Operation Dunholt team at Cambridgeshire Constabulary on 101.”

Aitken was put on the Sex Offenders Register and made the subject of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

To make a report of child abuse, please call 101, or 999 in an emergency. Additional support can be found via the NSPCC, ChildLine, Kidscape, Survivors UK and

Aitken was charged with a total of 18 counts on June 16. The Crown Prosecution Service accepted the pleas.

The full break down of the charges is as follows:

•Sexual assault of a boy under 13 – GUILTY

•Sexual activity with a boy aged 13-15 - GUILTY

•Sexual activity with a boy aged 13-15 - GUILTY

•Rape of a boy under 13 – GUILTY

•Sexual assault of a male – GUILTY

•Causing a child under 13 to watch sexual activity - GUILTY

•Sexual assault of a boy under 13 – NOT GUILTY

•Sexual assault of a boy under 13 – NOT GUILTY

•Inciting sexual activity with a boy aged 13-15 – NOT GUILTY

•Inciting sexual activity with a boy aged 13-15 – NOT GUILTY

•Inciting sexual activity with a boy aged 13-15 – NOT GUILTY

•Inciting sexual activity with a boy under 13 – NOT GUILTY

•Sexual activity with a boy under 13 – NOT GUILTY

•Sexual activity with a boy under 13 – NOT GUILTY

•Rape of a boy aged 13-15 – NOT GUILTY

•Sexual assault of a male – NOT GUILTY

•Sexual assault of a male – NOT GUILTY

•Causing a child aged 13-15 to watch sexual activity – NOT GUILTY