A FORMER SCOUT leader from Earley has been given a four year jail sentence for indecently assaulting a boy more than 20 years ago.
Peter Swynford, from Kenton Road, was found guilty at Reading Crown Court on March 8. On Friday, he was sentenced to four years for one count of indecent assault and two years each for the other three counts (to be served concurrently).
He was also to ordered be registered on the Sex Offenders Register and a sexual harm prevention order has been made against him.
The 52-year-old was was arrested on September 17, 2013 and charged on April 8. There is just one victim and the abuse took place between August 1991 and 1994 in Reading.
Investigating officer Det Con Helen Stone, from Reading Child Abuse Investigation Unit, said: “This was a difficult and complex case dating back more than two decades.
“I commend the victim for his bravery in coming forward and continuing with this case until its conclusion. I am pleased for him and his family that Swynford faced justice after such a long wait. I hope this sentence will give Swynford time to reflect on the reality of what he did and how that affected the victim.”
Adrian Foster, Chief Crown Prosecutor for Thames and Chiltern Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said: “This case involved sexual activity between a man, now aged 52, and a boy in Reading in the early nineties.
“Peter Swynford took advantage of his status as a scout leader to prey on the young boy, ply him with pornography, alcohol and drugs and then abuse him for his own sexual gratification.It is only due to the great courage of the victim, and his feeling of duty to protect others, that the despicable behaviour of this man has been exposed. I would like to pay tribute to the victim for his strength, tenacity and selflessness in coming forward.
“Swynford denied any unlawful conduct, admitting sexual contact with the victim, but denying it was without consent and that the victim was under 16. However, on 8 March 2016, at Reading Crown Court, he was found guilty of four counts of indecent assault on a male.
“The convictions and today’s sentence serves as an important message to people who have been the victim of crimes such as these, or those who know such crimes are being committed, that they should come forward and that time is no barrier to justice.The CPS will work closely with partners, as we did with Thames Valley Police in this case, to ensure that robust criminal cases are put before the courts.
“The emotional impact, on the victim and his family, of the abhorrent actions of this man is impossible to quantify.I hope that the convictions and sentence gives some small comfort to them. Our thoughts are very much with them at this time.”
