PETER Challis was described as a severely damaged individual by his defence solicitor when he was jailed in 2002. Challis suffered damage by being sexually abused as a child himself, said Lynn Taton. Judge Nicholas Coleman, sitting at Peterborough Crown

PETER Challis was described as "a severely damaged individual" by his defence solicitor when he was jailed in 2002.

Challis suffered damage by being sexually abused as a child himself, said Lynn Taton.

Judge Nicholas Coleman, sitting at Peterborough Crown Court, said the part-time youth worker was "cunning, dishonest and manipulative".

He said he had comprehensively corrupted young boys and should never again be allowed to work with young people.

Karim Khalil, prosecuting, told how Challis befriended mothers of intended victims. Once he had gained families' trust, children were invited to stay over at his home.

Young boys were then plied with alcohol and cannabis and encouraged to take off their clothes.

By the time Challis was ready to abuse them "they could not stand up properly and were falling about", said Mr Khalil.

Challis filmed the boys, using overhead mirrors and hidden cameras to add to the fantasy, the court was told.

When police raided the house they found sex aids and sex toys.

Challis was finally snared when a school teacher raised the alarm.