Student Oliver Cooper, 27, from Nor’Bren Avenue in Bognor Regis was found guilty at Lewes Crown Court on Thursday of child abuse charges.
They included two counts of sexual assault on a girl aged six, one count of sexual assault on a girl also aged six, one count of taking indecent photographs of a child, and 13 counts of voyeurism.
Cooper, formerly from Hopton in Staffordshire, was sentenced to a total of six years imprisonment.
Cooper was a Beaver Scouts leader at the time of the offences, which took place more than two years ago.
He will be on the Sex Offenders Register for life, was given a Sexual Harm Prevention Order .
The conviction follows a lengthy investigation by detectives from the West Sussex Safeguarding Investigation Unit after a child disclosed that he had sexually touched her.
As a result of that disclosure Cooper was arrested and indecent images and videos of children getting undressed in private were found on his phone and laptop.
Charles Derham, Director and Solicitor-Advocate at Remedy Law comments “the commendable bravery of this young girl has potentially save many others from an individual who clearly had an unhealthy interest in children, all of those involved in the securing of this conviction were so very brave. It is so unfortunate that some will find a way to place themselves in a position of power and trust with the sole purpose of abusing those they are empowered to care for and look after.“
Det Con Rees Hopcraft said: ‘The young girls involved showed tremendous bravery throughout the investigation and were supported by specially trained officers.
‘Despite the overwhelming evidence, Cooper continued to protest his innocence and thus forced the victims to give evidence, which was done via a video link to the court.’
Charles Derham, Director and Solicitor-Advocate at Remedy Law has many years experience in dealing with claims against the Scout Association. If you, or a loved one, have been affected by this blog or any other related abuse – please do not hesitate to contact us in the strictest of confidence.