AN international manhunt has been launched for a paedophile cadet sergeant from Plymouth who has fled the country after being accused of abusing girls in the organisation.

Sgt James Reading, 35, was found guilty in his absence of groping the teenagers while on night exercises and at illegal under age drinking parties.

He was jailed for ten years at Exeter Crown Court as police resumed the search for the fugitive, who has been on the run since jumping bail in June.

The judge said it was beyond belief that Reading was able to abuse the girls in what was supposed to be a disciplined service.

Reading was able to become the NCO in day to day charge of a group of 30 cadets despite having previous convictions for a domestic assault dating back to 2001 and theft and criminal damage in 1998.

He abused one girl during a sleepover party he organised and assaulted another after telling her she may be promoted if she went on night exercises with him.

He plied his victims with alcohol at the unofficial parties and hid his activities by putting bin bags over the windows as makeshift curtains.

He offered one girl £50 to touch her chest and was caught red handed when one female cadet burst into the hut's kitchen to find him with a topless, terrified and hysterical girl.

Reading denied eight offences of sexual activity with a child or inciting a child to take part in sexual activity but was found guilty.

He was cleared of sexually assaulting another girl after the jury heard he may have believed she consented. He was also cleared of an unrelated charge of raping another woman.

He was jailed for ten years with a four-year extended licence and banned from having unsupervised contact with children indefinitely.

Judge Erik Salomonsen said the cadet organisation fulfilled an important role in the community and parents must know they could rely on them to look after their children.

'It goes without saying this applies to their moral as well as their physical welfare and the highest standards should have been adhered to in relation to alcohol and the separation of the sexes during overnight activities.

'Adults must set an example and it is beyond belief that an NCO in such an organisation should be able to put himself in a position to abuse.

'He worked himself into a position of responsibility well beyond his abilities. He had an unhealthy interest in sex with young girls and was determined to satisfy himself in a wholly selfish way regardless of the views of those around him.

'In my judgment he is a dangerous man, particularly when in drink and in a position of responsibility with access to children.'

After the case Detective Constable Chris Amey said the hunt for Reading would go on in this country and abroad:'We have already made extensive inquiries and we may consider an appeal on Crimewatch. We have some evidence he has gone to France and we may involve international agencies.'

 A spokeswoman for the Ministry of Defence confirmed that a Criminal Records Bureau check had been carried out in his case and that procedures are being reviewed.

She said the welfare and safety of cadets and volunteers were of paramount importance and there were 'extremely stringent procedures in place, including Criminal Records Bureau Enhanced (CRB) checks, to vet prospective adult volunteers that ensure as far as possible this is maintained'. 

'We can confirm a CRB check was undertaken on this occasion. Having a criminal record will not necessarily bar someone from volunteering.  It depends on the circumstances and background of the offence, or any information revealed.'  

The spokeswoman said the issue of safeguarding children was taken seriously and staff were dedicated to safeguarding the welfare of cadets. 

All adult volunteers were subject to the provisions of the child protection policy and guidelines and all staff must attend a basic staff induction course, which included an element of child protection and safeguarding, before being appointed.

'Now this case has concluded an assessment will be made to determine if a further inquiry is required.'

She said matters of this nature were taken very seriously and both admission to an offence and conviction of a criminal act were considered 'incompatible with the core values and ethos' of the organisation. 

'An individual subject to such allegations will be suspended without prejudice pending the outcome of any investigation.'