Vile West Midlands scout leader guilty of sexually abusing boys as young as ten in the 1970’s

A former scout leader has been jailed after admitting a string of historical child sexual abuse against boys during the 1970’s in Sutton Coldfield.

Stuart May, now aged 79, was a scout leader in Wylde Green when he carried out his wicked sex crimes against victims as young as 10-years-old.

Detectives traced four of May’s victims who revealed that they were groomed and sexually abused by the paedophile on several occasions.

May sexually abused the young boys at several addresses linked to him. He also preyed on the boys while on scouting trips and in the scout hut, often with several other boys present when the sickening abuse took place.

Police believe there are other victims linked to this shocking case who have yet to be traced.

Investigating officer Elizabeth Weston, from the Public Protection Unit, said: “During the course of the investigation a number of boys were identified, but unfortunately some still remain untraced.

“Those who have come forward confirm there were often other boys present during their abuse, and as such it is believed that there are others who have either a personal story to share, or who may have been witness to incidents of abuse.

“If so, we would encourage them to contact us.”

May, of Sketchley Lane, Ratcliffe Culey, Leicestershire, initially denied any wrongdoing, but pleaded guilty at Birmingham Crown Court on 15 June to eight counts of gross indecency with a boy under 14 years of age and three counts of inciting a boy under 14 years of age to commit an act of gross indecency.

May was jailed for eight years and nine months on Thursday 13 July.

If you were a victim of child sexual abuse, or know someone you think may have been, you can find more information here.