Former teacher sentenced to 14 years in prison for sexual offences against teenage boys

 Former teacher and scout leader Clayton Busto has been sentenced to 14 years in prison for sexual offences against teenage boys.

Busto was sentenced at the Supreme Court after being convicted of 16 charges  involving four boys who were aged between 14 and 17.

Chief Justice Anthony Dudley described him as a “sexual predator” who targeted and groomed adolescent boys for his sexual gratification. 

The offences were committed between 2007 and 2016, with some taking place under legislation that pre-dated the Crimes Act 2011.

Fourteen years in prison for offences spanning eight years, committed against teenage boys while Clayton Busto occupied positions of trust.

In passing the sentence, Chief Justice Anthony Dudley described the former teacher and scout leader as a “sexual predator” who targeted and groomed adolescent boys for his sexual gratification.

He said Busto had shown no remorse.

The Chief Justice paid tribute to the considerable courage shown by the victims in coming forward and giving evidence, saying it sent an important message to other victims that they too could come forward.

Speaking directly to Busto, he told him their courage stood in contrast to his “deviousness” in targeting adolescent boys for his sexual gratification.

Busto was sentenced to a total of 14 years for 16 offences.

But the Chief Justice said the sentences would have been higher were it not for the statutory maximums which applied when some of the historic offences were committed.

The court heard how some offences which now carry a maximum sentence of 14 years were, at the time, subject to a maximum of two - a difference described as “heinous” by Director of Public Prosecutions Christian Rocca

Mr Rocca read victim impact statements describing the lasting effects of the abuse, including on the complainants’ mental health, confidence and relationships.

For the defence, Christopher Finch acknowledged the seriousness of the offending and its impact and described Busto as the “master of his own downfall”, saying he would have to live with the consequences of his actions. 

Busto will also fall under Gibraltar’s recently strengthened parole regime.

Under the reforms, parole is no longer automatic once an offender reaches the relevant point in their sentence, with release subject to a stricter public-protection test.

Following today’s sentencing, Justice Minister Nigel Feetham said his thoughts were first and foremost with the victims and their families, adding that protecting children and vulnerable people must remain an absolute priority.

If you've been the victim of abuse, you can contact the RGP on 200 72500 or by emailing vicitmsupport@royalgib.police.gi. You can also file a report online.