Former Cruise Ship Worker Jailed

Lawyers at Irwin Mitchell who act for child abuse victims have welcomed news that a former Cunard employee found guilty of abusing 13 boys in his care during his work on the company’s cruise ships between 2007 and 2011 has been sentenced.

Paul Trotter of Pontefract has been jailed for four years in relation to the abuse following a hearing at Swindon Crown Court last week, where it was revealed how he filmed the attacks on children under 13.

As well as signing the sex offenders register, he has also been banned from working with children for the rest of his life. Police said the prosecution brought an end to a complex investigation involving the full co-operation of Cunard.

Tracey Storey, a Partner at Irwin Mitchell’s London office who specialises in helping victims of child abuse to gain justice and answers over the physical and psychological traumas that they have endured, said lessons must be learned from the case.

She outlined: “We have seen first-hand the huge toll that abuse by people placed in a position of trust can have on children, often leaving them with psychological and emotional scars which can have an impact into adolescence and beyond”.

“It is absolutely vital that the children affected by these crimes are given all the help and support they need to overcome their abusive experiences.

“In addition, we hope that lessons can be learned which will go some way to preventing any similar, shocking cases in the future. Safeguards and protection need to be carefully considered to ensure that the protection of children from harm is paramount in every context.”

If you or a loved one has been the victim of child abuse, our specialist child abuse lawyers could help you get justice and claim compensation. Call 0370 150 100 to talk confidentially to someone about making a claim or visit our Abuse & Criminal Injury Claims page for more information.