PAUL BILLINGTON, NORTHWICH SCOUT LEADER, JAILED FOR ABUSING BOYS IN GREATER MANCHESTER

In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the local community, Paul Billington, a 60-year-old scout leader from Northwich, Cheshire, has been sentenced to prison for a series of heinous sexual offenses committed against young boys in the Greater Manchester area. The court proceedings revealed a pattern of predatory behavior by Billington, who exploited his trusted position within the scouting organizations across Altrincham, Hale, Hale Barns, Bowden, and Timperley.

During the hearing at Manchester's Minshull Street Crown Court, it was disclosed that Billington had engaged in multiple sex attacks on boys under his supervision. The court heard that he had also filmed boys as they showered in a scout hut, an act that added a deeply disturbing layer to his crimes. The defendant pleaded guilty to charges of indecent assault and engaging in sexual activity with a minor, leading to a five-year prison sentence handed down on Wednesday.

In addition to these charges, Billington admitted to voyeurism and the production and possession of indecent photographs. Prosecutor Richard Vardon informed the court that police investigations uncovered more than 5,500 indecent images of boys on Billington’s computer, which he had downloaded from the internet. This evidence painted a clear picture of his disturbing interests and the extent of his misconduct.

The police investigation was initiated after complaints from four boys who had been under Billington’s supervision. Greater Manchester Police officers executed a search of his residence, seizing his laptop, various computer discs, video cassettes, minidiscs, and an MP3 player. These items were examined as part of the investigation into his activities, which led to his formal charges in December 2004.

Billington’s defense attorney, David Bruce, described his client as a “polite man” who “has the capacity to change,” though the court was not convinced. Judge Timothy Mort imposed a lifelong ban on Billington working with children and ordered him to register as a sex offender. The judge’s decision underscores the severity of the crimes and the danger posed by the defendant.

Following the sentencing, Detective Sergeant Sharon Scotson of Greater Manchester Police issued a statement condemning Billington’s actions. She described him as a “manipulative and dangerous individual” who exploited the trust placed in him by children, their parents, and the scouting community. Scotson emphasized that Billington deliberately orchestrated situations to be alone with young boys, which facilitated his sexual abuse.

She further highlighted the importance of the bravery shown by one of the victims, whose courage in reporting the abuse to police prevented Billington from continuing his offending and causing further harm. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and safeguarding within organizations that work with children, and the devastating impact of betrayal by those in trusted positions.