Antony Allen – former scout leader jailed for 11 years for sexually abusing young boys from 25th Newham East Scout Group

A depraved Scout leader and soldier who repeatedly abused young boys after befriending their mums and dads to gain their trust has been jailed for 11 years.

Vile pervert Antony Allen, 27, abused boys at Scout camps in Essex, Kent and Wales.

He was only brought to justice when one of his victims, realising that his younger brother was due to move up from Cubs to Allen’s Scout troop, told his mum she had to get him out of the group to protect him.

The boys’ stunned mother thought at first he was joking but, after the older lad warned other relatives, she got police involved.

The first formal complaint led to a string of other victims contacting police in quick succession.

One victim told police that Allen was looked up to as a “role model” by members of the group and several, including himself, viewed him as a second father.

One victim even called him ‘Dad’ as he was taken out and about by Allen just as a parent would.

Scott, of Plaistow, east London, was convicted in February at Snaresbrook Crown Court of six counts of sexual assault of a child under 13, and six counts of sexual activity with a child under 15.

He was also sentenced for making 30 Category C images of children he knew; possession of three Category A images, 28 Category B images and 611 Category C images. These included one Category A video, and ten Category B videos.

The charges related to eight boys from the 25th Newham East Scout Group where Allen had volunteered for ten years, up until being suspended last year.

The offences took place at several locations, including home addresses and at Scout camps.

The victims, all boys aged between eight and 16, were repeatedly abused over a four-year period between January 2013 and September 2017.

If you, or a loved one, have been affected by abuse whilst in the Scouts, please do not hesitate to contact our team of experienced child abuse lawyers who will be happy to speak to you about whether it may be possible to bring a claim.