RGP Safeguarding Unit investigated Clayton Busto following anonymous emails to Childline & GibSams

The RGP’s Safeguarding Unit began its investigation into former teacher and scout leader Clayton Busto after anonymous emails were sent to Childline and GibSams, the Supreme Court has heard.

Mr Busto faces 19 counts of sexual offences against children, dating from 2007 to 2016.

He denies all charges.

The court heard that two local charities, GibSams and Childline, received anonymous emails containing sensitive information about Clayton Busto.

GibSams offers a listening service for people in distress, while Childline provides support to children and young people, including those who may be at risk of harm.

Detective Sergeant Jo Ullger said that after the RGP received the information from the charities, officers from the Safeguarding Unit attended Westside School, where Mr Busto worked, and discussed the allegations with him.

DS Ullger described the defendant as cooperative and shocked at the time, and said the emails contained a 2nd name that was put to Mr Busto, but said he didn't recognise it.

Some time later in 2023, the Detective Sargeant conducts an Achieving Best Evidence interview with a young man who would later be known as Mr X.

His parents had taken photos of his conversation with Clayton Busto and provided the police with over 400 pages of photos.

DS Ullger compiled the messages in different categories with some messages categorized as sexual grooming. She said the messages, dated between November 2015 and February 2016, included alleged requests for indecent photographs and sexual comments to Mr X, who was 17 at the time.

Under cross-examination, Chris Marsh Finch suggested that messages between people of different sexual preferences could involve sexual content.

DS Ullger agreed but said what was not acceptable was when one person was messaging a child, particularly where the adult was in a position of trust.

Mr Marsh Finch also raised the possibility of collusion but DS Ullger said there was no information to suggest the complainants had spoken to each other or shared information.

The Crown is expected to close its case tomorrow, before the defence begins calling witnesses.