Scout leader abused boys

A former Scout leader and care worker was yesterday convicted of a string serious sexual offences against young boys after detectives uncovered a catalogue of systematic abuse, stretching over 10 years.

David Stanley, 49, of Telford, Shropshire, was found guilty on six counts of buggery, and two counts of attempted buggery against Scouts and boys in his care.

He was also convicted at Worcester Crown Court on eight counts of indecent assault and one of possessing indecent photographs with a view to distributing them on the Internet. Stanley had denied all sexual assault charges, but pleaded guilty to the possession of pornographic pictures which he traded on the Internet. The jury acquitted Stanley on two counts of buggery and six of indecent assault. Three further counts of indecent assault were left on file. One charge of attempted buggery was discharged. He was cleared on one count of buggery.