Justice Catches Up With Scout Leader Who Assaulted Boy On Weekends Away in 1970s

Specialist abuse lawyers at Irwin Mitchell have praised a man’s bravery after he reported he was sexually assaulted by a scout leader as a boy.

Kenneth Thompson, 73, was jailed for four years after he pleaded guilty to four counts of indecent assault in relation to the abuse which he committed more than 40-years-ago.

Thompson, of Newport, South Wales, committed the crimes at a farm house in Monmouthshire, after taking the then boy away on weekend trips in 1973 and 1974.

The visits were not official scouting trips. The pensioner was dismissed from the scouts in 1995 over concerns about him working with young boys, Newport Crown Court was told.

Thompson was finally brought to justice after the man reported his offending to police in December 2015.

Expert lawyer Raman Dhillon, of Irwin Mitchell, specialises in representing clients of abuse.

Expert Opinion

“More than 40 years after Thompson committed his crimes justice has finally caught up with him because of the man’s bravery in reporting the abuse to police.

“This case highlights that no matter how long ago something may have taken place, those who have been subjected to historic abuse need to report what happened to police and make abusers accountable for their actions.

“Cases of historical abuse by people in a position of trust are sadly not uncommon. At Irwin Mitchell we often see first-hand the impact that such crimes can have on people and the professional support they require to help them rebuild their lives.” Raman Dhillon - Solicitor