A HIGH profile film executive has been jailed for sexually abusing a young boy over a period of six years.

Charles Evans, more commonly known as Chas, 58, began the abuse when the boy was eight after making friends with his family and winning their trust.

The offences took place in Windsor, Bracknell, Hillingdon and overseas in Spain between 1998 and 2004.

Evans, 58, of Catherine’s Well, Milton Abbas, Dorset, was sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment at Isleworth Crown Court last Wednesday. He will also be placed on the sex offender’s register for life.

He had been unanimously found guilty of the attempted rape of a child and six counts of indecent assault on Friday, March 10 at the same court.

The court had heard how Evans would lavish gifts and trips away on the family, enabling him to to carry out the abuse on the boy over six years.

The victim finally reported Evans to police in October 2015. He was interviewed under caution by police in January last year, being summonsed and subsequently charged in June.

Evans was a marketing consultant at Sony Pictures Entertainment and worked within the post-production creative marketing field of films. He was seen as a very senior figure within this area, having previously held the position of senior vice-president of Creative Affairs for Paramount Pictures International.

Detective Constable Paul Trueman, for the Metropolitan Police, said: “Evans effectively groomed not only the victim in the case but also his parents. He gained their trust so much so that even when the victim was giving evidence in court, he admitted that he idolised Evans when growing up.”

Detective Sergeant Andrew Gunning, of the Met’s Sexual Offences, Exploitation and Child Abuse Command said: “The courage shown by the victim in this case has been tremendous. After such a long passage of time, forced to relive the darkest days of his childhood. I hope this conviction goes some way to afford him and his family the closure they need to carry on with their life.”

An NSPCC spokesperson said: “Evans went to great lengths to gain the trust of his young victim and his family, hiding his abuse behind acts of extreme kindness and generosity.

“His victim has been incredibly brave in speaking out and we hope he has received all possible support to rebuild his life.

“Abuse can have a devastating effect on childhood, but it’s effects can be overcome with the right help and support. Hopefully the sentencing will give this family some measure of closure.”