A 32-year-old volunteer from Taunton, Matt Ellett, has been sentenced to over 20 years in prison after being found guilty of sexually abusing five children he met through the Scouts.
Following a trial in August, Ellett was unanimously convicted of 19 offences including five counts of sexual activity with a child under 16. Avon and Somerset Police revealed he had gained the trust of parents and posed as a role model before subjecting victims to abuse.
Detective Sergeant Phil Hockey described Ellett as “predatory” and manipulative, noting how he would take victims to secluded locations and make them pledge secrecy with a “pinky promise”. Despite his convictions, Ellett maintained his innocence and falsely claimed the allegations were fabricated.
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In personal statements read at Taunton Crown Court, the victims detailed the profound harm caused, with one saying, “What happened to me took away a part of that innocence far earlier than any child should lose it. Things were introduced into my life that I was far too young to understand.”
Ellett received a prison term of 20 years and eight months, with an additional three years on extended licence. He has also been placed under an indefinite sexual harm prevention order.
DS Hockey praised the courage of the victims and reaffirmed the police commitment to pursuing justice for cases of both recent and historical abuse, stating that perpetrators will be brought to account regardless of when the offences occurred.