CHRISTOPHER DAY GROOMED AND SEXUALLY ABUSED TEEN IN LOUGHTON DURING AIR TRAINING CORPS EXPEDITION

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Loughton, Squadron leader Christopher Day was found guilty of grooming and sexually abusing a teenage cadet during an expedition in the 1990s. The incident, which took place under his command as the commanding officer of the 241 Wanstead and Woodford Air Training Corps, has brought to light serious allegations of misconduct and abuse of authority.

According to court proceedings at Snaresbrook Crown Court, Day, who resided in Barrington Green, Loughton, engaged in inappropriate behavior with the young cadet. The court heard that during the expedition, Day ordered the teenage boy to share his bed, an act that marked the beginning of a pattern of grooming. Over time, Day's actions escalated to sexual molestation, with the squadron leader showing favoritism towards the boy by giving him money, taking him to his house, and engaging in acts that involved undressing in front of him.

The victim, now in his twenties, demonstrated remarkable courage by secretly recording a confession from Day during a meeting. This recording became crucial evidence that led to Day's arrest and subsequent charges. The police investigation was initiated after the victim presented the recording, which exposed the extent of Day's misconduct.

In September, Day was formally charged, and last month, he was convicted of indecent assault at Snaresbrook Crown Court. The presiding judge, Ms. Recorder Sasha Wass QC, sentenced him to two years in prison. During the sentencing, the judge emphasized the grooming nature of Day’s actions and the inappropriate relationship he had cultivated with the young cadet. The court was told that Day’s favoritism, financial support, and invasive behavior constituted a serious breach of trust and authority.

As the sentence was announced, the victim left the courtroom visibly distressed. Outside, a group of Day’s supporters, evidently angry and shocked by the verdict, gathered in protest. The case has sparked widespread discussion about safeguarding and the responsibilities of adult volunteers working with young people in organizations like the Air Cadet Organisation (ACO).

Detective Sergeant John Delaney, from the Metropolitan Police’s Child Abuse Investigation Team, praised the victim for his bravery in coming forward. He stated, “I commend this victim who found the strength and courage to report this incident. This man clearly abused his position of authority and took advantage at the time of a vulnerable, impressionable young boy.”

It is understood that Christopher Day now plans to appeal the guilty verdict, although no further details have been provided. A spokesperson for the Air Cadet Organisation issued a statement reaffirming their commitment to safeguarding, saying, “The safety of our cadets is of paramount importance and the ACO has extremely stringent procedures in place to vet prospective adult volunteers that ensures, as far as is possible, that the welfare and protection of cadets is maintained.”