ALEXANDER LAKE FROM HOLSWORTHY AND PORTHTOWAN SENTENCED TO 20 YEARS FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF BOYS

In a case that has shocked the local communities of Holsworthy and Porthtowan, Alexander Lake, aged 39, has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term of 20 years after being found guilty of sexually abusing three young boys over a span of more than two decades. The abuse, which began when the victims were as young as 10 or 11 years old, was detailed during a hearing at Truro Crown Court on Friday, revealing a disturbing pattern of predatory behavior that spanned from 1985 to 2008.

Prosecutor Kelly Scrivener, representing the Crown Prosecution Service, outlined the disturbing details of Lake’s misconduct. She explained that Lake attempted to silence one of his victims by offering toys in exchange for silence, a tactic often used by predators to manipulate and control their victims. The victim, who was initially unable to fully comprehend the gravity of the abuse during childhood, gradually realized that what had happened was profoundly wrong as he grew older. Despite this awareness, he was initially hesitant to come forward, fearing disbelief and social stigma.

Eventually, the victim confided in a family member, and in 2013, amid heightened media attention on historic sex offences, he reported the abuse to the police. Another victim had approached authorities earlier, in 2001, but was unable to discuss the details at that time. This second boy recalled meeting Lake when he was around seven or eight years old, with Lake being approximately 11 or 12 at the time. The court heard that Lake had invited the boy into his home for ice cream, which was a prelude to the abuse. Once inside, Lake coerced the boy into performing sexual acts, threatening or instructing him to comply. As the years passed, the abuse intensified, leaving the victim feeling disgusted and confused about his experiences.

A third victim was subjected to sexual assault after being given alcohol or sleeping pills, further highlighting the predatory nature of Lake’s actions. Lake, who did not attend the sentencing hearing and was not represented by legal counsel at that time, had previously pleaded guilty to 13 charges related to offences committed in South Brent and Paignton, both located in Devon. These charges included indecent assault, rape, buggery, and sexual activity with minors. The court was informed that some of these charges were specimen counts, representing multiple incidents of abuse rather than isolated events.

Judge Simon Carr, presiding over the case, condemned Lake’s refusal to attend court for sentencing, interpreting it as an attempt to obstruct justice. The judge emphasized the profound and lasting impact of Lake’s actions on the victims, stating, “I have read moving victim impact statements from all. This has had a devastating effect on all their lives. It is something they carry with them today and no doubt will into the future.”

As part of his sentence, Lake was ordered to register as a sex offender for life, a measure designed to protect the community and monitor his activities moving forward. Following the hearing, Detective Constable Jenny Tucker urged anyone with additional information about Lake’s conduct to contact the police confidentially by dialing 101 and quoting log number 660 18/12, ensuring ongoing support for the victims and the pursuit of justice.