CALLUM THOMAS CRAIG FROM STOKE SENTENCED FOR DECADES OF SEXUAL ABUSE AGAINST BOYS

Callum Thomas Craig, a 61-year-old former Scout leader and theatre technician from Stoke, has been handed a six-year prison sentence after being found guilty of multiple sexual offenses. The conviction stems from a disturbing series of abuses committed over nearly two decades, from 1973 to 1990, during which Craig exploited his trusted roles within the community to prey on vulnerable boys.

Craig, who served as an assistant Sea Scout leader in Stoke-on-Trent, used his position of authority and the trust placed in him by the boys and their families to carry out his heinous acts. His manipulation was carefully calculated, leveraging his involvement in Scouts, amateur dramatics, and traction engines to establish close connections with his victims. These relationships provided him with access and opportunities to commit the abuse, which he carried out over a span of 17 years.

During an earlier hearing, Craig admitted to 18 counts of indecent assault and gross indecency, acknowledging his misconduct. The investigation, led by Staffordshire Police under the banner of Operation Thor, uncovered the extent of his crimes. Detective Chief Inspector Andy Dunning, who spearheaded the inquiry, described Craig’s actions as utterly despicable. He emphasized that Craig’s exploitation of his interests in Scouts, theatre, and traction engines was a calculated effort to gain the trust of his victims.

Among those affected was a boy who was under social services care at the time, highlighting the vulnerability of some of Craig’s victims. The crimes, which included abuse of boys under various circumstances, left lasting trauma on those affected. The court proceedings took place at Stoke’s Crown Court, where justice was finally served after a thorough investigation.

Following the conviction, Detective Chief Inspector Dunning expressed his satisfaction that justice had been achieved for the victims. He reaffirmed the importance of addressing historic child abuse cases and ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable, regardless of how much time has passed since the offenses occurred. The case of Callum Thomas Craig serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and safeguarding within community organizations and institutions.