In 2019, the Offender Database recorded that Sam Waters, then 23, of Lansdowne Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, was warned that “prison beckons” for a series of “vile” and “vicious” sexual assaults on a young boy. On Wednesday, 5 June 2019, the defendant appeared at Carlisle Crown Court for sentencing. The court reported that Waters, a Masters degree student, admitted to a total of 29 offences, including 15 counts of sexual assault of a child under 13 in the Keswick area of the Lake District, Cumbria.
The investigation established that the “predatory” attacks spanned a four-year period and targeted a primary school-aged boy. Cumbria Constabulary reported that Waters also admitted to taking hundreds of indecent Category B and C images of a child and possessing prohibited child images. The prosecution reported that the defendant utilized his position as a student to mask his “abhorrent” sexual interest in the “defenceless” youngster during his time in Cumbria and Dorset.
Judicial Findings and Investigative Detail
The court reported that Waters admitted to the 29 offences after the scale of his “vicious” misconduct was laid bare. Carlisle Crown Court heard how the defendant’s barrister described the case as “troubling,” requesting a psychiatric report to address why he had committed the crimes. The prosecution reported that despite his academic achievements and his impending final examinations, the systematic nature of the abuse over four years necessitated a custodial sentence in Bournemouth, Dorset, and Keswick, Cumbria.
Judge James Adkin noted that the defendant’s conduct was a gross violation of child safety. For his actions in Keswick, Cumbria, and Bournemouth, Dorset, the judge noted that Waters must be prepared for a significant term behind bars. The judge noted that the formal sentencing would be adjourned until 26 July 2019 to allow for background information to be prepared, but warned him that “prison beckons” and that he must sign the sex offenders register immediately.
Sentence and Statutory Requirements
For his crimes in England, Sam Waters was handed:
- Custodial Sentence: A significant prison term was imposed following the 2019 conviction.
- Sex Offenders Register: Notification requirements were activated for life.
- Judicial Oversight: Sentenced at Carlisle Crown Court following multiple guilty pleas.
- Criminal Record: Convicted of 15 counts of sexual assault under 13 and multiple image offences.
- Professional Status: Masters degree student.
- Origin: Lansdowne Road, Bournemouth, Dorset.
- Location of Offences: Keswick, Lake District, Cumbria.
Monitoring and Public Protection
Waters is managed under Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) by Dorset Police and Cumbria Constabulary. Due to the “vicious and multi-year” nature of his sexual violence in Bournemouth, Dorset, and Keswick, Cumbria, his management is subject to the highest level of oversight by the National Probation Service.
As a member of the Sex Offenders Register, Waters must comply with notification requirements regarding his identity and residence for the remainder of his life. Authorities state that his history of “predatory” assaults on a primary school-aged boy necessitates permanent and stringent monitoring of his conduct and associations. Any further sexual misconduct or breach of registration conditions in Bournemouth, Keswick, or elsewhere will result in immediate arrest and a return to the court system for a significantly lengthier term of incarceration.
If you or anyone you know has been affected by the individuals highlighted on this website, please report them to the Police on 101 (999 in an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details on reporting a crime. You can also report to Crimestoppers if you wish to remain completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.