FORMER SCOUT LEADER SENTENCED FOR VIEWING ILLEGAL CONTENT OF YOUNG BOYS
A former Scout leader and Parkrun photographer named Nigel Shaw has appeared before a crown court judge charged with viewing illegal content depicting the sexual abuse of young boys.Shaw, aged 61, was sentenced at Teesside Crown Court to a two-year community order with a 30-day rehabilitation requirement.
The court emphasized that a community order is a non-custodial sentence that entails specific conditions, such as participating in sex offender rehabilitation programs including the Maps for Change course.
Judge Howard Crowson commented to Shaw: "You have lost part of your life that was precious to you.
At the same time, you've caused people anxiety, knowing you're involved in youth groups whilst at the same time, downloading these images.
There is no evidence that you've acted directly with a child, but you are a person with an interest in young boys." The court revealed that Shaw was found with 1,541 category C images, including 12 videos, depicting boys being sexually abused, as well as 138 category B images, including eight videos, showing males in their early teens.
Police raided Shaw's residence in Hartlepool after receiving information regarding these images.
Shaw, who lives alone, appeared shaken as officers arrived but directed them to various devices.
The videos and images were stored on an external hard drive, his laptop, and a CD-ROM.
Shaw, who pleaded guilty to two charges of making indecent images between June 2014 and October 2021, was previously banned for life from any involvement with the Scouts.
His lawyer, Alex Bousfield, argued that Shaw had contributed positively to society and had no history of acting towards children he met.
The lawyer also stated Shaw had sought counseling and rehabilitation through charity "Stop It Now," and that he was committed to addressing his issues.
The judge noted that Shaw's case was unusual in that he did not access category A material and that a probation report indicated he could be rehabilitated with proper programs.
Additionally, Shaw was issued a five-year sexual harm prevention order restricting his online activity and contact with under 18s, along with notification requirements for the same duration.
He was ordered to pay £340 in court costs, with the warning that any breach could result in prison.
