A former Sea Cadet leader from Orpington who groomed a vulnerable boy has been jailed for eight years for non-recent indecent assaults.

Dickson had carried out the assaults over 11 years from the early 1990s while working as a Sea Cadet leader in Orpington.

The victim was first abused when he was a teenager and the abuse continued into his adult life. The victim told police about the abuse in December 2014 and an investigation was launched.

When Michael Dickson was arrested on February 25, 2015 he denied abusing the victim. He was charged on June 13.

Dickson was suspended form the Sea Cadets on the day of his arrest and has since been dismissed from the service.

Detective Constable Mark Tarrant of the Met's child abuse and sexual offences command, said: "I would like to acknowledge the courage of the victim in coming forward. He has coped for many years with a great deal of psychological stress due to the abuse that he suffered.

“Dickson abused his position of trust and groomed a vulnerable boy in order to abuse him. Anyone who has been affected by non-recent sexual offences can be assured that all allegations are fully investigated and every effort will be made to bring offenders to justice."

Michael Dickson, 44, appeared at Croydon Crown Court on Tuesday, September 12 and was sentenced to eight years imprisonment and will also be subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Dickson had pleaded guilty at the same court on August 7 to five counts of indecent assault. Three additional counts of indecent assault will lie on file.