A paedophile who used his position of trust to abuse his friends’ children and is thought to have abused youngsters in 10 counties across the country has been jailed.

Adam Aitken, 28, was sentenced to 13 years behind bars after previously pleading guilty to six serious sexual offences against children in the Peterborough area.

Police believe he had links in Bedfordshire, Gloucestershire, Hertfordshire, Kent, Lincolnshire, Norfolk, Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire, Surrey, West Yorkshire and Scotland areas.

The court heard how Aitken befriended his five male victims after forming close relationships with their parents and carers.

He would take the young boys on trips out or invite them into his home but then used his position of trust to carry out abuse on his victims.

The abuse dates back to 2008 when he sexually abused a 14-year-boy during a fishing trip.

Aitken, of Kinnears Walk, Orton Goldhay, went on to sexually abuse another 14-year-old at his home during a sleepover.

Peterborough Crown Court heard he would buy sweets and junk food for his youngest victim, who was aged between eight and 10, when he was sexually assaulted during sleepovers.

Aitken’s fourth victim was aged 12 and 13 when he was raped and sexually assaulted.

The court also heard how Aitken would watch films and play on the computer with his fifth victim. He would play truth and dare games and show the 11-year-old adult pornography at his home.

In addition to these offences, in considering the most appropriate sentence, the Judge took into account other inappropriate behaviour Aitken had demonstrated against other children.

Detective Chief Inspector Jon McAdam, senior investigating officer from the police public protection department, said: “Aitken is a calculated and dangerous individual who positioned himself to gain the trust of parents and guardians to abuse children.

“What is clear from the victim’s accounts, was how Aitken would groom them, buying gifts and taking them on holiday, and then sexually abuse them and threaten them in to silence.

“The victims have shown great bravery in coming forward to support the investigation, without whom we could not have achieved this outcome and prevented Aitken from harming them further or preying on other victims.

“It is hoped that today’s outcome will go some way to helping them cope and recover from what has been a horrendous ordeal for anyone to be subjected to.

“This case has been complex in its nature to investigate and is an example of the commitment of Cambridgeshire Constabulary and Peterborough City Council safeguarding the most vulnerable. Social workers worked closely with police to prepare and talk to the children involved and enable them to tell us what they had experienced.”

“We take all reports of abuse seriously and have a dedicated team of experienced officers to respond. We would actively encourage anyone affected to contact us.”

DCI McAdam added: “We have specially trained officers available to anyone who would like to discuss their individual case, please call the Operation Dunholt team at Cambridgeshire Constabulary on 101.”

Aitken was put on the Sex Offenders Register and made the subject of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

To make a report of child abuse, please call 101, or 999 in an emergency. Additional support can be found via the NSPCC, ChildLine, Kidscape, Survivors UK and NAPAC.