GARETH INGLIS: KEIGHLEY AND LONG PRESTON SCOUT LEADER SENTENCED FOR CHILD MOLESTATION

In a disturbing case that has shocked the communities of Keighley and Long Preston, Gareth Inglis, a 39-year-old former Scout leader, has been sentenced to two years in prison after being found guilty of sexually abusing a ten-year-old girl. The incident took place in the Keighley area on April 8 of this year, and Inglis’s actions have sparked widespread concern about the safety of children in the region.

According to court proceedings, Inglis approached the young girl and engaged in sexual assault, then implored her not to disclose the incident to her mother. The court heard that the assault was carried out in Keighley, a town known for its vibrant community and active youth organizations, including scouting groups. The girl, who was not a member of the Scouts, was described as a bubbly child prior to the attack, but the trauma has left her unable to sleep and has severely affected her confidence, as her mother, Nikki Peers, testified during the trial.

Following Inglis’s arrest, police conducted a thorough search of his residence on Ribblesdale Estate in Long Preston, a village near Skipton. During the search, officers discovered a disturbing collection of indecent images depicting young girls. Among these was a photograph of a child aged between five and ten being sexually abused by an unidentified man. The police also uncovered depraved fantasy stories involving young girls, torture, a dog, and group sex, which further highlighted Inglis’s disturbing interests.

Gareth Inglis pleaded guilty to charges of sexual touching and possession of four indecent images of children. Prosecutor Jayne Beckett told the court that Inglis expressed feelings of suicidal ideation and physical sickness following the assault on the girl. She emphasized that Inglis’s actions were not connected to his role as a Scout leader, but rather a personal misconduct.

Inglis’s defense barrister, Nikki Peers, acknowledged his guilty plea and described him as a man of good character who deeply regretted the incident, stating, “It was a game that went too far.” She also pointed out that police investigations did not reveal any additional allegations of sexual abuse against Inglis.

Judge Jonathan Durham Hall QC addressed the court, noting that Inglis’s probation officer had identified him as posing “a clear and very serious risk to children.” The judge condemned Inglis’s actions as causing significant harm to his victim and her family, emphasizing that the sentence was intended to send a strong message that such behavior would not be tolerated within the community.

As part of his sentence, Inglis is required to register as a sex offender for the next ten years. Additionally, the court imposed a Sexual Offences Prevention Order with no fixed end date, further restricting his activities and contact with minors. The case has left a lasting impact on the communities of Keighley and Long Preston, highlighting the ongoing need for vigilance and safeguarding measures to protect children from predators.