ERNEST PLATT FROM CORNWALL AND ISLE OF MAN JAILED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF YOUNG BOYS

In a deeply distressing case that has shocked communities across Cornwall and the Isle of Man, Ernest Platt, aged 66, was sentenced to a total of 14 months in prison after admitting to multiple counts of sexual assault involving vulnerable young boys. The court proceedings revealed a disturbing pattern of abuse that spanned over a decade, with Platt exploiting his position and the trust placed in him by the victims.

During the hearing at the Court of General Gaol Delivery, it was disclosed that Platt had systematically abused a boy he befriended between 1971 and 1974. The victim, who was over 11 years old at the time, was described by Deemster Kerruish as a vulnerable child with a troubled background. The court heard that Platt, a former member of the Salvation Army band, took advantage of the boy’s innocence, engaging in acts of indecent assault and gross indecency on approximately six occasions. The abuse began when Platt was teaching the boy to play a musical instrument, but it soon escalated into more sinister acts, including pulling the boy’s trousers down and assaulting him.

The court was told that the boy eventually reached a breaking point and responded by shooting an air rifle through a window at Platt’s home. When questioned by police, Platt claimed that he believed the acts were mutual at the time, but he expressed remorse, acknowledging that he now felt terrible about what had happened and recognized that the boy hated the abuse.

The second victim, also over 11 years old, was introduced to Platt through their shared involvement in the Salvation Army band. The abuse of this boy occurred over a five-year period from 1976 to 1981. Platt invited him to watch pornographic films at his residence, and during these visits, he indecently assaulted the boy. The prosecution highlighted that Platt’s immediate admission of guilt was significant, especially given the fact that the offences took place approximately 25 years ago, making it difficult to gather corroborative evidence.

Advocate Dawn Jones emphasized that Platt’s own history of abuse, having been subjected to maltreatment in a children’s home during his youth, was relevant to understanding his actions. She also pointed out that since his last conviction in 1985 for theft, Platt had led a diligent and hardworking life in Cornwall, despite losing his home and possessions. The defense argued that Platt’s name was only mentioned in passing during initial police inquiries, which led to further investigations that uncovered the abuse.

As the evidence was presented, Platt was visibly emotional, sobbing in the dock. Deemster Kerruish noted the gravity of the offences but decided to substantially reduce the potential sentence, which could have been as high as ten years, due to the mitigating circumstances. Ultimately, Platt was sentenced to 14 months in prison for each of the indecent assault charges and 10 months for each of the gross indecency offences, with all sentences to run concurrently. The court’s decision reflects a careful balance between justice and compassion, considering the long passage of time and Platt’s remorseful attitude.