A former Cunard employee who sexually abused boys in his care while working as a children’s activity supervisor on ships was jailed for four years on Friday.
Swindon Crown Court heard the offences, most of them against children under the age of 13, happened between 2007 and 2011. He no longer works for the company.
Paul Trotter, 34, of Pontefract, West Yorkshire, filmed himself assaulting children on board three Cunard ships. He admitted the abuse.
Trotter was ordered to sign the sex offenders register and banned from working with children for life. Judge Douglas Field also made him subject to an extended period of four years on licence once he is released from prison.
Cunard president Peter Shanks said afterwards: “This has been a harrowing investigation for all concerned not least, of course, for the parents and families of the children.
“Their heartache will last far longer than Paul Trotter’s time behind bars. And we at Cunard – together with child care experts at the NSPCC – are doing everything we can, no matter how long it takes, to ensure that the affected families are supported.
“We would like to thank the charity for the work it has undertaken in reviewing all aspects of our policies, procedures and systems both on land and at sea.
“The review is now complete and we are implementing the recommendations to make sure we have in place every possible check and safeguard for children.
“We have also put in place a working relationship with the NSPCC and it will do an annual audit of our procedures as well as ongoing safeguarding counsel.
“We heard in court how this individual managed to manipulate his colleagues and all those around him so he could be alone with the children.
“Our new safeguards will ensure that all the youth team has relevant training and supervision to underpin our stringent policies to protect children in our care.”