A former children's entertainer who used magic tricks and exotic pets to lure victims has been jailed for sexually abusing five boys over a 17-year period. Charles Mason, 65, known as Marmaduke the Clown, was sentenced to 16 years at St Albans Crown Court after being convicted of 16 counts of indecent assault.
The court heard that Mason plied his victims with cannabis and ginger wine, and made them watch pornography before engaging in sex acts. The abuse took place between 1985 and 2002 when he lived in Turnford and Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire. One victim was systematically abused from the age of 11 to 16.
Judge Marie Catterson said Mason had exploited his position as a children's entertainer and his menagerie of exotic animals to attract youngsters. She described the abuse as having a 'profound and incalculable effect' on the victims, who suffered shame and loss of confidence. 'You were emotionally manipulative of all of them,' she added.
Mason, of Abridge Road in Theydon Bois, Essex, had denied 18 counts of indecent assault but was found guilty on 16. He was found not guilty on one count, and the jury could not reach a verdict on the other. Defence barrister Lucie Wibberley noted Mason's previously 'unblemished character' and that he had not used force or violence.
In addition to his prison sentence, Mason must register as a sex offender indefinitely and comply with a sexual harm prevention order for 20 years.
