Richard Ian Squires jailed for sexually abusing another boy in state care

A “particularly vulnerable” boy living in state care said he blames himself for a 40-year-old man sexually abusing him multiple times.

A judge is worried a child predator won’t be able to resist his future urges after he exploited a young boy for his own sexual gratification.

Richard Ian Squires, 40, used sickening tactics to lure in teenage boys for his own devious interests.

The Adelaide District Court last week heard Squires befriended the 15-year-old victim who was living in state care at the time.

The victim was couch surfing and would often stay the night at Squires’ Semaphore Park flat.

The victim was asleep on the couch in January, 2020 and woke up to Squires indecently assaulting him.

The victim slept over Squires’ again in February, 2020 and woke up to find his pants had been pulled down and Squires was having sex with him.

Squires abused him again in March, 2020.

The Magill man pleaded guilty to two counts of unlawful sexual intercourse and indecent assault.

He is currently in Mount Gambier Prison.

Richard Squires abused another boy from state care. Picture: File

The court heard Squires’ offending had a significant impact on the victim.

“He felt embarrassed and ashamed, he blamed himself for your conduct,” Judge Adam Kimber said during sentencing.

Squires also lured a 16-year-old boy from state care via Grindr in January last year.

He was jailed for 4½ years, with a non-parole period of two years in October for two counts of unlawful sexual intercourse with that victim.

Judge Kimber said he had concerns about Squires’ ability to control his sexual interest in young boys once released from jail.

“He (the victim) was particularly vulnerable and you knew that,” he said.

“You exploited him for your own sexual gratification.”

The court heard Squires was willing to engage in rehabilitation programs.

“I accept that at the time of your offences your life was at a low point and that had been the case for some time,” Judge Kimber said.

Adding on the previous head sentence, Squires was sentenced to 11 years and four months jail, with a non-parole period of six years and eight months.

The sentence was backdated to May 28, 2021.