Isle of Man Cricket Association is reassuring parents and players that measures are in place to ensure the safety of children in its clubs.

The association issued the statement after predatory Dean Wales, 35, a former coach at St John’s Cricket Club, was jailed for sexually abusing children.

Wales was jailed for five years and nine months for abusing three children, the youngest aged just 12, with some of his offending dating back 16 years.

The defendant used his role as a sports coach to build the trust of one of his victims before committing the offences against him.

Isle of Man Cricket Association said he had not actively coached in cricket for over eight years.

It said it was saddened to read about the case. ’Our thoughts are with the victims,’ it said.

The Association said there had been a large focus on attracting new junior players to the sport.

It said it had been actively working with Isle of Man Sport and the Safeguarding Children’s Board to create policies and procedures for clubs to follow.

From last year all clubs with recognised junior sections have appropriate personnel in place to ensure the safety of children.

It said: ’The Isle of Man Cricket Association acknowledges the duty of care to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and is committed to ensuring safeguarding practice reflects responsibilities, government guidance and complies with best practice.’

The police praised the courage of the victims in coming forward and said it was hoped the sentencing would bring them some closure.

Detective Inspector Bobby Syme from the public protection unit said: ’This case should reassure the public that no matter who the individual is or what position they hold or have held, if a sexual complaint is made detectives will investigate and prosecute, in consultation with the Attorney General’s chambers, those who cause so much harm and misery to their victims.

’If you have been the victim of a sexual assault please have the confidence to come forward and report it by contacting the public protection unit on 631499.’

Rachael Braidwood of the prosecutions division said: ’The sentence of the court reflects the very serious nature of this case and the predatory nature of the offending.

’The defendant targeted victims who were vulnerable in order to commit the crimes and I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to their courage in coming forward and giving evidence.

’It is as a consequence of their bravery that a dangerous offender has received a lengthy custodial sentence.’