A predatory teaching assistant who systematically sexually abused vulnerable young boys has been jailed. Philip Watson, 60, of Beach Road, South Shields, was convicted of sexually abusing six pupils at the former Maplewood School in Sunderland, which catered for children with social and emotional difficulties.
Abuse at school and on trips
Newcastle Crown Court heard that Watson attacked one victim during a camping trip, entering his tent at night, undoing his sleeping bag and molesting him. The boy reported the abuse in the 1990s and Watson was arrested but denied it, knowing the boy was unlikely to be believed. Decades later, he again branded the victim a liar at trial, falsely claiming he bore a grudge and was motivated by financial gain.
Another boy was regularly abused by Watson on a minibus, while a third victim was attacked in showers at the school. Recorder Mark Giuliani told Watson: "While there you were a predatory pederast and systematically abused a significant number of pupils."
Victims speak of lasting impact
One victim said in a statement: "I've constantly tried to put what happened to the back of my mind but after finding out about other victims, the guilt I've felt has hugely impacted my mental health. He has been able to go on and do this to others. That's something that will never leave my mind."
Another victim said: "I was a child and should have been able to trust the adults looking after me. Instead one of them took that trust and used it to hurt me over and over. That betrayal followed me into every part of what I became. He was supposed to be someone who protected us and cared for us. Instead of learning that men could be safe, I learned the opposite."
Recorder Giuliani said the name of the school should be included in media reports "so others who have been abused know the passage of time is no bar to their abusers facing justice". He noted that Watson had "taken advantage of your trusted position as a teaching assistant".
Jailed for seven years
Watson had been convicted and jailed in 2017 for abusing three former pupils at the school. Three more ex-pupils then came forward. He was found guilty by a jury of four counts of indecent assault in relation to three boys and was jailed for seven years. A lifelong requirement that he signs the sex offenders register continues.
Anne Richardson, prosecuting, said the victims were all young and vulnerable due to the difficulties they had. She added: "They had no choice but to go to school knowing their tormentor was there." Matthew Bean KC, defending, said Watson continues to deny the offences and suffers from health issues including anxiety and depression.
