An East Sussex man has been given a five year and four month prison sentence, and a further three years under Probation supervision on prison release license, after admitting to sexual offences against a teenage girl. The girl was a member of his scout group while he was a scout leader in Bexhill between 16 and 19 years ago.
66-year-old Duncan Grant, unemployed, formerly of White Rock Road, Hastings and now of no fixed address, was sentenced when he appeared at Lewes Crown Court on Thursday 27th February.
He had pleaded guilty to two counts in a previous case, one of gross indecency and one of indecent assault against the girl. These took place at various locations in the Bexhill area, throughout the periods between 1997 and 2002 when the victim was aged between 12 and 16.
Grant will also remain a registered sexual offender for life.
He pleaded not guilty to four further courts, two of gross indecency and two of indecent assault. These were not proceeded with and will remain on the court file.
Grant left his scout leadership 16 years ago, where he was the leader of the 2nd Bexhill girls scouts group, for reasons unrelated to these crimes. There are no current risks to current members of the organisation.
The Scout Movement have given the police their full cooperation throughout the investigation.
PC Kelley Matthews of the East Sussex Safeguarding Investigations Unit said; “This was a very complex and sensitive investigation which started two years ago when we received information that Grant had been systematically abusing this young girl over three years, taking advantage of his status and power within the group.
“As a result of our enquiries were are able to obtain CPS authority to charge Grant and the victim, now an adult, was ready to give evidence in court had Grant not pleaded guilty.
“This case is a reminder that we will always take seriously and investigate all such allegations, however long ago they are said to have happened.”
A Scout Association spokesman said; “Grant was suspended from all involvement with the Scout Movement as soon as we were made aware of the Police investigation.
“It is appropriate that Grant is being punished for his crimes – he has betrayed the trust placed in him by young people and their parents. He has been permanently excluded from The Scout Association.
“The Scout Association carries out stringent vetting of all adults who work with young people and requires them to work to a strict code of practice outlined in the “Young People First” Code of Practice”.
