A man who sexually abused a boy over a six-year period has been jailed.

Charles Evans, a high-flying marketing consultant at Sony Pictures Entertainment, targeted the child, who was eight when the offences started, between 1998 and 2004.

They took place in Hillingdon, Windsor, Bracknell and overseas in Spain.

The 58-year-old, from Catherine’s Well in Milton Abbas, Dorset, was sentenced to 15 years at Isleworth Crown Court on Wednesday (March 22) and placed on the sex offenders register for life.

Police said he had effectively groomed the victim's parents to win their trust.

Evans was unanimously found guilty of attempted rape of a child and six counts of indecent assault against a child at the same court on March 10.

The jury heard that Evans got close to his victim after developing a friendship with his parents and securing their trust.

He would lavish the family with holidays and the victim with gifts and trips away, enabling him to have the opportunity to carry out the abuse.

Evans was reported to police in October 2015, interviewed under caution in January 2016 and in June of that year summonsed and subsequently charged.

Evans, also known as Chas, worked within the post-production creative marketing field of films, and was regarded as an influential figure in this area having previously held the position of senior vice-president of Creative Affairs for Paramount Pictures International.

Detective Constable Paul Trueman, the investigating officer from the Met’s Sexual Offences, Exploitation and Child Abuse Command, said: “Evans effectively groomed not only the victim in the case, but also his parents.

Isleworth Crown Court, where Evans was tried and sentenced

“He gained their trust so much so that even when the victim was giving evidence in court, he admitted that he idolised Evans when growing up.

“I commend the courage shown by the victim in reporting this and seeing it through to attending court and giving evidence. I hope that the result achieved will give them some sense of justice.”

'The courage shown by the victim in this case has been tremendous'

Detective Sergeant Andrew Gunning from the same unit added: “The courage shown by the victim in this case has been tremendous.

“After such a long passage of time, they were forced to relive the darkest days of their childhood.

“I hope this conviction goes some way to afford them the closure they need to carry on with their life.”

An NSPCC spokesperson added: “Evans went to great lengths to gain the trust of his young victim and his family, hiding his abuse behind acts of extreme kindness and generosity.

“His victim has been incredibly brave in speaking out and we hope he has received all possible support to rebuild his life.

“Abuse can have a devastating effect on childhood, but it’s effects can be overcome with the right help and support. Hopefully the sentencing will give this family some measure of closure.”

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