TIM MAWER FROM CLEETHORPES SENTENCED FOR DECADES OF ABUSE ON BOYS IN LINCOLN

In a harrowing case that has shocked the local community, Tim Mawer, a former badminton coach based in Cleethorpes, was sentenced to 20 years in prison for a series of vile sexual offenses committed over an 18-year period. The crimes involved the grooming and sexual assault of 13 young boys, with the abuse spanning from 1985 to 2003.

Lincoln Crown Court heard that Mawer, 52 years old at the time of sentencing, targeted vulnerable teenagers he encountered through his work in schools, youth clubs, and other youth-oriented environments. His employment as a youth worker and his shared interest in trainspotting provided him with opportunities to befriend and manipulate his victims. Over the course of nearly two decades, Mawer carried out more than 60 separate attacks on these boys, whose lives were profoundly affected by his actions.

The court was presented with heartbreaking testimonies from the victims, many of whom revealed that they struggled with mental health issues, contemplated self-harm, or turned to drugs and alcohol as a result of Mawer’s abuse. One victim, in a detailed impact statement, described Mawer as “a master of manipulation,” recounting how he ingratiated himself with their families and portrayed himself as a trustworthy, almost perfect individual.

Tim Mawer, who previously resided on Long Beach Road in Cleethorpes, admitted to 27 charges of indecent assault on males, with offenses dating back to 1985 and continuing until 2003. His criminal record now includes a lifetime ban from working with children or vulnerable adults, and he has been placed on the sex offenders’ register for life. The court also issued an indefinite sexual harm prevention order against him.

Judge Simon Hirst, delivering the sentence, emphasized the gravity of Mawer’s misconduct. He stated, “You were a successful coach who was well-known locally and abroad. Over a period of 18 years, you misused that position and the ostentatious lifestyle you had to abuse 13 children between the ages of 13 and 15 in a sexual manner. It is plain that in their different ways all of the complainants have been profoundly affected by your abuse of them. You caused each and every one of them real and lasting damage.”

The judge further condemned Mawer’s systematic approach, noting that his offending was planned, persistent, and gradually increased in severity. Prosecutor Sam Skinner highlighted that the total number of incidents reached 62, with some acts being particularly vile. The offenses began in the mid-1980s and continued until April 2003, involving boys as young as 13 and mostly around the age of 14.

During the court proceedings, it was revealed that Mawer’s grooming process involved befriending boys at train stations, in schools, and youth clubs, often selecting those he could influence and manipulate. He would spend weeks or months building trust, offering gifts, and gaining their admiration through his flashy cars and clothing. Once he had established a rapport, Mawer would invite victims to his home, where he would persuade them to play cards, with forfeits that led to sexual acts.

The investigation into Mawer’s crimes was initiated in January 2016 after one victim came forward with allegations. This led to the identification of additional victims and the subsequent charges. Mawer was initially scheduled for sentencing in November 2019, but media reports prompted six more victims to come forward, resulting in further charges. He was due to stand trial on these additional allegations but changed his pleas to guilty before the trial commenced.

Representing Mawer, lawyer Michael Cranmer-Brown, stated that his client was of previously good character and expressed remorse and shame for his actions. Cranmer-Brown noted that Mawer’s offending began when he was young himself and that his most recent offenses occurred 18 years prior. Despite his criminal conduct, Mawer had built a reputation as a successful badminton coach, teaching thousands of students both locally and internationally.

In a prior hearing in December 2019, Mawer pleaded guilty to the abuse of seven boys under 16, admitting to 15 charges of indecent assault. The police investigation revealed that Mawer exploited the admiration of boys who looked up to him, offering money and describing the acts as a “game.” His case was initially heard at Lincoln Magistrates’ Court before being transferred to Lincoln Crown Court for sentencing. Mawer’s conduct has left a lasting scar on his victims, and his sentencing underscores the severity of his crimes and the betrayal of trust involved.