Former Bournemouth Scoutmaster, Paul Cherrett, jailed for 9 years for child sex offences – is this justice?

Bournemouth Scout support member Paul John Cherrett, 62, was jailed for nine years at Bournemouth Crown Court on Tuesday 11 April for sexually abusing boys over the last 41 years.

The 62-year-old admitted 10 counts of indecent assault against boys aged under 16, three counts of inciting a child to commit an act of gross indecency and four charges of possession of indecent images of children.He had also pleaded guilty to one count of sexual activity with a child.

Cherrett was told he would be on the Sex Offenders Register for life and would be made the subject of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Cherrett joined the Scouting movement in 1972 when he became an Assistant Cub Scout Leader for the 21st Bournemouth Scout Group until 1977. He then moved into the Assistant District Commissioner role for the Bournemouth West District until 1988. He returned in the role of District Scout Active Support Member at Butchers Coppice Camp site in 2010.Charles Derham, head of the abuse team, attended the sentencing in the hope that he would witness justice. Sadly 9 years, with release in four and a half on licence goes only a small way to providing closure for those affected.

Any individual who secured the conviction against Cherrett also has a viable claim to bring against the Scouts Association.

Verisona Law have significant expertise in pursuing claims against the Scouts Association. We have an ongoing claim in respect of alleged sexual abuse at the hands of a former Scoutmaster at Butchers Coppice Scout Camp.

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 lawyers who will be happy to speak to you about whether it may be possible to bring a claim.