Ex-Scout leader, Graham Avison, jailed for sexual abuse
On 23rd November 2020, at Minshull Street Crown Court, Graham Avison, an ex-Scout leader was sentenced to more than five years imprisonment after pleading guilty to four counts of indecent assault against a scout. Avison was issued with a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and will be required to sign the Sex Offenders’ Register.
Avison began by buying the child gifts, a grooming tactic we often see used by abusers. Avison then started sexually abusing him when he was just 14 years old. The abuse Avison subjected this child to lasted for 4 years between 1991 and 1995 and usually took place on trips away or at Avison’s home.
Detective Sergeant Wayne Marshall, GMP’s Tameside division said “I would first and foremost like to thank the victim for coming forward. Their bravery throughout the entire investigation has resulted in a dangerous paedophile facing justice.” He then described Avison as “a predator who abused his position of trust to groom the boy from a young age and sexually abuse him, which will leave psychological scars for the rest of his life. The exploitation of children is a top priority for GMP and we take reports of this nature very seriously. I would encourage anyone who has been the victim of this type of abuse to come forward and speak to police.”
At Bolt Burdon Kemp we have successfully acted for a large number of scouts who have been subjected to sexual abuse by their scout leaders.
It can be very helpful to the victims we act for, to have witness statements to support their claims against Scout Leaders, such as Avison. If you think you may be able to help support our clients’ cases, please do contact us on 020 3504 3740 or by email at abuse@boltburdonkemp.co.uk.
