BERNARD COLLYER SCOUT LEADER FROM SUTTON SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE IN NORWICH

In June 2016, a disturbing case of sexual misconduct involving a former scout leader from Sutton came to light, culminating in his conviction and sentencing. Bernard Collyer, born on April 3, 1943, was found guilty of indecent assault on a male child under the age of 13. The proceedings took place at Norwich Crown Court, where Collyer pleaded guilty on May 13, 2016. Subsequently, on June 8, 2016, he was sentenced to 16 months in prison. As part of his punishment, the court also ordered that his name be added to the Sexual Offenders Register, marking a significant step in the pursuit of justice for his victim.

Collyer’s criminal actions are linked to a long history of abuse that dates back to his time as a scout leader and his association with Bancroft’s School. The victim, referred to as ‘Mr J’ for privacy reasons, was a former pupil of Bancroft’s School and was subjected to sexual abuse by Collyer during the summer of 1973. At that time, Mr J was just 14 years old and a member of the 4th Epping Forest South Sea Scout Troop, where Collyer served as an assistant scout leader.

The abuse occurred during a scout trip to the Norfolk Broads, a popular outdoor destination. On one particular evening, Collyer lured Mr J onto his boat by offering him alcohol while they played card games. The situation escalated when Collyer, pretending to assist Mr J due to his intoxication and difficulty walking, took him to his own boat, where he committed a serious sexual assault. This incident marked Mr J’s first sexual experience, an event that would leave lasting scars.

Following this initial assault, Collyer continued to make advances towards Mr J on two other occasions, including during a scout-related activity. The victim endured a period of living in constant fear of further abuse, which severely impacted his emotional well-being and trust in others. Despite the trauma, Mr J continued his involvement in scouting and his education at Bancroft’s School, though he was haunted by the fear of further exploitation.

Decades later, after struggling to suppress the memories of the abuse, Mr J found the courage to report the matter to Norfolk Police in June 2015. The police responded promptly, arresting Collyer, who admitted to the offence. During police questioning, Mr J was asked whether he would accept a caution, but he insisted on pursuing criminal prosecution to ensure justice was served.

Collyer was formally charged with one count of sexual activity with a male child under 13. His guilty plea at Norwich Crown Court led to his sentencing in June 2016. The court’s decision not only resulted in his imprisonment but also mandated that his name be registered on the Sexual Offenders Register, a measure aimed at protecting the community from potential future harm.

In addition to the criminal proceedings, Mr J sought civil redress, initially targeting Bancroft’s School. However, further investigations revealed that Collyer’s role as both a teacher and assistant scout leader at the time of the abuse made the school and the Scout Association jointly responsible for the harm inflicted. This led to a civil claim, with medical experts providing reports that detailed the profound psychological impact on Mr J. The victim was diagnosed with social phobia, mild recurrent depression, and a history of post-traumatic stress disorder. The psychological trauma manifested in deep mistrust, anti-authoritarian attitudes, and low self-confidence, which affected his academic performance and personal development.

Despite the severe impact of the abuse, Mr J managed to pursue higher education and establish a successful career. The legal process culminated in an out-of-court settlement, with a five-figure sum awarded to him. Although the exact contributions from Bancroft’s School and the Scout Association were not disclosed, Mr J chose to donate his compensation to a youth charity in Essex, emphasizing that his primary motivation was justice and accountability rather than financial gain.

Throughout this lengthy legal and emotional journey, Mr J’s case highlights the importance of thorough investigations into abuse allegations, especially when multiple institutions may be involved. It underscores the need for justice not only through criminal proceedings but also via civil actions to address the full extent of harm caused by such misconduct.