Matt Ellett, a scout leader from Taunton, has been found guilty of 19 sexual offences against children.
The 32-year-old was convicted by a unanimous jury at Taunton Crown Court, which sat at North Somerset Courthouse, on Wednesday, 5 August. Ellett committed the offences against five children he met through his voluntary role as a scout leader.
During the trial, evidence was presented showing that Ellett used his position of trust within the scouting movement to befriend and then sexually abuse the young victims.
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Det Sgt Phil Hockey, who led the investigation, 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 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.”
“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.”
Ellett was remanded into custody following the verdict and is due to be sentenced on 5 October at the same court.
DS Hockey added:
“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.”