2015 saw the 17-year jail sentence for a “predatory and manipulative” caretaker, Benjamin Mercer Hove Paedophile, who sexually abused seven boys over 11 years. During the 1990s and 2000, Benjamin Mercer, 41, mistreated boys as young as five years old in Hornsea, East Yorkshire, and another in Newquay, Cornwall.
Following a trial at Hull Crown Court, he was found guilty of 13 counts, including rape, which he disputed.
Police asked victims to come forward since they thought there could be more of them.
The court heard how Benjamin Mercer, of Seafield Road, Hove, East Sussex, took sexual advantage of two boys asleep.
Up to three times a week for almost four years, he methodically sexually assaulted a lad who complained of “terrible pain”.
Growing up in Hornsea, Benjamin Mercer began mistreating lads around fifteen.
The jury was informed that he was known as “cool Ben” because of his attire; he would take the lads to the beach and park and on fishing and clay pigeon shooting outings.
The jury listened to how the caretaker had “groomed” one of his victims, offering him cannabis at age twelve and subsequently alcohol at age thirteen.
Judge Tremberg sentenced him, telling Mercer: “You have been predatory and manipulative and considered your victims as objects, placing your needs and wants over their welfare.
“You showed ability for both deliberate and opportunistic behaviour. You tested these young lads to find their level of vulnerability.
The court said that one of the victims “ended up sleeping with a knife under his pillow and contemplated suicide”.
“He carried the secret and shame of what you did, which has been disastrous. It brought physical injury as well as intense emotional distress.
Benjamin Mercer was detained in Hornsea in 1998; police claimed at that time “insufficient evidence to charge him with any offences”.
The court heard he was still abusing.
Following his detention, he settled in Newquay and went to the Brighton area around 2000.
Police conducted a comprehensive inquiry in March last year only following more allegations of mistreatment.
Det Insp Emma Heatley of Humberside Police said: “He is undoubtedly a sexual predator, and we suspect there may be more victims of Mercer over the last 20 years.
“We would urge any more victims of Benjamin Mercer… to come forward and call the police, ensuring he is brought justice for all his offending.”
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