MOD in cadet sexual abuse cover-up accusation

Cases of sexual abuse within the Ministry of Defence’s cadets were covered up, it has been reported.

An investigation by BBC Panorama reportedly found that officials had dissuaded victims from reporting allegations to the police.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) said child abuse was an “abhorrent crime” and it has “robust procedures in place to protect cadets”.

The programme said it had spoken with former cadets who said they were abused in the 1980s.

When concerns were raised by some of the victims or their loved ones they were reportedly urged not to tell the police.

Rebecca Sheriff, of law firm Bolt Burdon Kemp, which is representing victims, said: “A number of abuse cover-ups have been discovered within the organisation with devastating consequences upon victims which ought never to have occurred.

“It is hoped that the programme will encourage victims to come forward and disclose abuse that they have suffered in the cadets to the police so that criminal prosecutions can take place.”

Figures obtained under Freedom of Information laws showed that between 2012 and 2017 there was a total of 363 sexual abuse allegations made.