ORPINGTON SCOUT LEADER ALEX SEARLE SENTENCED FOR CHILD PORNOGRAPHY IN PETTS WOOD

In December 2007, Alex Searle, a resident of Orpington High Street, was sentenced for possessing and downloading child pornography, a conviction that has sent shockwaves through the local community. Searle, who was actively involved as a scout leader at the 7th Petts Wood Scout Group located on Tent Peg Lane in Petts Wood, was handed a community order and placed under supervision for three years as part of the London Probation Community Sexual Offenders’ Group Work Programme.

His arrest on April 12 marked a significant turning point. At the time, Searle was 26 years old and held a position of trust within the scout organization, which caters to boys and girls aged from six to 18. Following his detention, he was immediately suspended from his role within the group, which had been a staple of the local youth community in Petts Wood.

The legal proceedings culminated in a sentencing at Croydon Crown Court on December 7. Searle had previously pleaded guilty to 12 counts of making indecent images of children during a court appearance on November 9. The investigation that led to his arrest was initiated after police executed a search warrant at his home, which is situated in Orpington High Street.

The police search was initially connected to a theft at Searle’s workplace, Gamestation, also located on Orpington High Street, where between £14,000 and £16,000 worth of computer games and equipment had been stolen. During the search, officers uncovered disturbing evidence: 44 printed indecent photographs of children aged between four and 16, hidden beneath Searle’s bed. Additionally, two computers were seized, and further evidence was found on the hard drives, including another 44 images.

In total, law enforcement officials discovered approximately 100 images classified from Level 1 to Level 5, with Level 5 being the most severe. Beyond these, they uncovered a collection of 914 images depicting children in various outfits such as sportswear, swimming costumes, school uniforms, and Scout uniforms. The investigation also revealed that Searle’s computer history included searches for terms like “under 8 boys,” “under 7 boys,” “Lolita,” “little girl,” and “preteen,” indicating a disturbing pattern of interest.

Judge John Tanzer addressed Searle during the sentencing, remarking, “In April 2007, you began as a respectable member of the community. More than that, you were someone involved in voluntary work with the Scouts, someone trusted to leave children in your care.” The judge acknowledged that Searle’s case was relatively minor compared to other offenses of this nature, citing the small number of images in his possession. However, he emphasized the gravity of the content, stating, “They show a seriously perverted character, and it is a perversion which has a price, a price paid by children worldwide.”

Judge Tanzer also highlighted the importance of accountability, asserting, “It is right that those who promote this market by being willing consumers should pay the price for doing so.” Importantly, he clarified that there was no evidence to suggest Searle had directly abused any children in his care. Nevertheless, Searle was issued a sexual offences prevention order, which prohibits him from working with children, and he was registered on the Sex Offenders’ Register.

Prior to this conviction, Searle had already pleaded guilty to the theft of computer games and equipment from Gamestation, for which he received an 18-month community sentence at Croydon Crown Court on September 3. His criminal activities, both related to theft and child pornography, have marked a significant and troubling chapter in his life, drawing widespread concern from residents and authorities alike in Orpington and Petts Wood.