PARENTS have been issued a terrifying warning that their kids could have been victims of a paedo babysitter who looked after hundreds of children over 20 years.
Andrew Evans from Crowborough, East Sussex, was sent to jail for sexual offences against two children today, but police are urging worried parents to come forward.
Andrew Evans was sentenced to six years and eight months imprisonment today[/caption]
Officers want to hear from any parents who are concerned that there may be other sexual offences against their own children which need investigation.
Evans had worked in childcare, including at nurseries, across Sussex, Kent and Surrey for some 20 years.
But today police told Hove Crown Court how he had “used his position of trust to target these children”.
The 36-year-old sexually assaulted and kept indecent pictures of a young girl who he was babysitting in March.
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And the babysitter continued to advertise his services looking after kids even while he was on police bail with strict conditions not to contact any children.
Once investigated, police discovered more offences against a seven-year-old girl who Evans babysat at her home in Uckfield.
Today he was sentenced to six years and eight months imprisonment after pleading guilty to seven offences.
His crimes surfaced earlier this year when police received a report that the babysitter had met a very vulnerable 15-year-old boy at an isolated car park in East Grinstead in September last year.
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There he committed a series of sexual offences against the boy, who he went on to pressure for a relationship.
The teen blocked contact with Evans and reported what had happened to his school and parents.
The child’s mother described the horrific impact the offences has had on her son and her family.
She said in a statement: “I live daily with the thought of what my son has been through, and constantly worry about keeping him safe.
“As a family we are only now trying to come to terms with this and the upset to his grandparents and extended family is massive.
“We cannot break the news to his younger brother as it is just too upsetting.
“I have had to take time away from work as I have been unable to cope with the stress and I cannot begin to truly articulate how upset I am.
“My son has disabilities and is vulnerable, and so it’s important keep him safe in respect of day-to-day life, and then for this to happen is devastating.”
She added: “What I do know is that this person should not be released for a very long time, and then should not be allowed near children or the vulnerable whatever their age.”
Detective Constable Michelle Hayes said: ”I have seen the impact this has had on the two families almost on a daily basis and I have worked to build their trust over the last six months.
“Evans used his position of trust to target these children, devious in his behaviour, and finally there is justice for everyone involved.”
Detective Inspector Steve Cobbett of the Sussex Police Public Protection Command added: “We have been making widespread enquiries amongst many organisations across the South East and so far no criminal offences have been reported by them.”
The police statement assured parents that action has been taken to ensure that no other children are currently at risk.
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It added the two children involved and their families have been supported by specially trained officers.
Evans will be a registered sex offender for life, restricting his access to children in the future, and he will have lifelong restraining orders prohibiting him from contacting the two victims.
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