POLICE have issued a statement after a man was convicted of sexually abusing children he met while he was a Taunton scout leader.
Matt Ellett, 32, from Taunton, was found guilty of 19 offences against five children after a trial at Taunton Crown Court sitting at North Somerset Courthouse.
The jury found Ellett guilty of the following offences relating to five children:
- Five counts of sexual activity with a child under 16
- Two counts of causing or inciting a child under 16 to engage in sexual activity
- Five counts of sexual assault of a child under 13
- Three counts of causing or inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity
- Two counts of causing or inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity
- Three counts of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child under 13
- Assault of a child under 13 by penetration.
DS Phil Hockey, of the Avon and Somerset Police, said: "Matt Ellett was a popular volunteer within the scouting movement.
"Many of the children’s parents believed he was a positive influence on the youngsters’ lives.
"The outward character Ellett portrayed, though, acted as a way for him to earn a position of trust, which he exploited for his own horrific sexual gratification.
"He has never admitted to what he did, and this trial has been incredibly difficult for all those giving and listening to the evidence."
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Police said Ellett used his volunteer position with the scout movement to befriend and exploit his victims.
He has been remanded in custody and will be sentenced on October 5 of this year.
DS Hockey said: "The victims who came forward have shown incredible courage from start to finish.
"These verdicts do not undo or reduce the enormous pain Ellett caused them and their families, but we sincerely hope they provide some relief to all those affected by his crimes."
DS Hockey also encouraged other victims of sexual abuse to come forward.
DS Hockey said: "We know reporting non-recent sexual offences is a really big step for anyone.
"We hope that convictions for sexual offenders like Ellett give victims the confidence to come forward, because it doesn’t matter if the offence happened yesterday or 20 years ago, that person will be believed, and the crime investigated."
Support is available for victims of rape or sexual assault, whether recent or non-recent.
People can self-refer to The Bridge, a Sexual Assault Referral Centre, which operates 24/7, by visiting The Bridge website or calling 0117 342 6999.
More resources and support services can be found at www.thisisnotanexcuse.org.
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