SURREY PAEDOPHILE MAGISTRATE DAVID JENKINS JAILED IN BRIGHTON

In October 2010, David Lyn Jenkins, a 70-year-old former Surrey magistrate and Boys’ Brigade leader, was sentenced to prison for abusing young boys while maintaining a facade of community respectability. Now residing on Bevendean Crescent in Brighton, Jenkins exploited his authority within the Redhill and Reigate area to gain access to his victims. During a court appearance at Lewes Crown Court, one of the affected boys tearfully watched as Jenkins was led away to serve a four-year sentence. Jenkins had previously admitted to four counts of sexual abuse committed between 2005 and 2009 against a boy who was only nine when the abuse began, along with an additional count of abusing another boy in 1968 who was aged 13 at the time. Authorities fear there may be other victims who have yet to come forward. Jenkins held positions as a magistrate at Redhill Magistrates’ Court, led Boys’ Brigade groups at local churches in Redhill and Merstham, and organized football coaching for schoolchildren from 1995 to 2000. The court was told he targeted victims during sports activities. His abuse in 1968 involved befriending a 13-year-old boy in Reigate, taking him swimming and to a holiday camp. The victim, now in his 50s, described Jenkins as a father figure despite their lack of relation. He concealed the abuse for over 30 years until he encountered Jenkins again when he had two young children. When Jenkins offered his young son a lift to football coaching, the man was shocked and decided to report him to the police for the first time. However, trauma prevented him from giving evidence, and charges were dropped. It was only after reports of subsequent abuse by Jenkins that the earlier victim agreed to testify. A pre-sentence report described Jenkins as 'remorseless, flat and emotionless,' and noted he was at a medium to high risk of re-offending. Defence lawyer Glenn Harris stated, 'He has lost all his family because of what he has done. He’s lost his wife of 40 years, who is now seeking a divorce. He’s lost his home and his friends. Through me, he wishes to apologize to both his victims. He is deeply ashamed of his actions.' Judge Guy Anthony sentenced Jenkins on Monday, emphasizing the breach of trust given his role as a magistrate: 'It may be that the urges you have had over the last 40 years have been to a large extent kept under control. But on one occasion in 1968, and on several occasions over the last five years, you succumbed to them. As somebody who has until quite recently been a magistrate, you ought to have known better. You do the magistracy no credit.' In addition to the four-year prison term, Jenkins received an extended five-year license and was subject to a Sexual Offences Prevention Order preventing contact with boys under 16. He was also registered as a sex offender for life. At the time of his latest offense in 2009, Jenkins was living in Smallfield near Horley. The father of Jenkins' younger victim, who remains unnamed, expressed relief that his son did not undergo trial. Reflecting on the case, he said: 'I think in some ways it was bittersweet for him as he wanted his day, to stand there and face him. He wanted the legal system to believe him. But I think he felt relieved, massively relieved really. They both have a huge amount of guts to come forward, they are both so brave and I am really proud of my son.' Detective Constable Dani Flude of Sussex Police commented: 'I am happy with the sentence Jenkins has received and would like to thank the brave victims who came forward and helped police with the investigation. Their courage has ensured Jenkins is not free to destroy the lives of other young boys. This was a joint investigation with Surrey Police, and we are grateful for their input.'