PETER MALPAS OF MOULTON JAILED FOR CHILD SEX ABUSE INVOLVING PAEDOPHILE RING IN WILTSHIRE AND WINDSOR

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the community of Moulton and beyond, Peter Malpas, a 47-year-old former Scout leader, has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term following his involvement in a disturbing child abuse scandal. Malpas, who previously served as an assistant county commissioner within the Scout organization, was convicted at Reading Crown Court for heinous crimes that included the sexual assault of a young girl and participation in a depraved paedophile ring.

Malpas was handed an 11-and-a-half-year sentence, but the presiding judge, Stephen John, declared him a continuing danger to children. As a result, he was given an indeterminate sentence for public protection, with a minimum term of five years and nine months. This means that Malpas will only be eligible for release once authorities determine he no longer poses a threat to children, and he could potentially remain under supervision for the rest of his life.

Judge John emphasized the severity of the case, stating, “It is difficult to imagine a more serious case of its kind, falling short of rape of a child under 13 years. You present a very high risk to children. This was as close to rape as you could get.”

Malpas’s criminal activities extended beyond individual acts of abuse. He was linked to a disturbing paedophile network responsible for creating and distributing thousands of indecent images of children. Investigations also uncovered his association with members of a gang that hosted depraved sex parties involving animals at an isolated farmhouse in Wiltshire.

The court heard that Malpas admitted to police that he traveled to the Windsor area, where he sexually abused a nine-year-old girl in the back of a car. He described how he became involved in the paedophile ring after initially engaging in online chats on gay chatrooms, where he made arrangements with other members to meet young girls. The victim, referred to as Child A in court proceedings for legal reasons, was met by Malpas in May 2011. During their encounter, he performed a sexual act on her in the vehicle while also engaging in sexual acts upon himself.

When police raided his residence in January, Malpas was overwhelmed with remorse, telling officers, “Something terrible has happened, I am evil.” He fully admitted to his crimes, expressing regret and stating, “I can’t believe what I have done. I have ruined that poor girl’s life and I have ruined my family’s lives.”

It was also revealed that Malpas, who is HIV-positive, used online aliases such as ‘Steve’ to conceal his identity. Authorities found a memory stick on him containing hundreds of images depicting child abuse.

Legal representatives for Malpas, including Nigel Daly, highlighted the complex nature of his life, stating, “He has effectively lived a lie throughout his life, firstly in relation to his homosexuality, then to his wife after he contracted HIV.”

Malpas was convicted of multiple charges, including sexual assault of a child by penetration, sexual touching, and possession and distribution of indecent images of children, spanning from March 6, 2011, to January 18 of the following year.

In response to the case, Steve Reeves, head of safeguarding at The Scout Association, issued a statement to reassure parents and guardians. He confirmed that investigations revealed no evidence of any victims within the Scout community or Northamptonshire, and emphasized that Malpas did not commit any offenses in his official capacity as a Scout leader. Reeves assured the public that the organization remains committed to safeguarding and has taken swift action, including suspending Malpas immediately upon his arrest and affirming that he will never be involved with the Scout Movement again.

Malpas’s arrest in Northampton in January was part of a broader Metropolitan Police investigation that involved undercover officers infiltrating the paedophile ring. The operation led to the arrest of other individuals, including Household Cavalry soldier Simon Davies, 37, and Anthony Flack, who was caught in a sting operation after agreeing to meet an undercover officer posing as a paedophile.

In light of these events, The Scout Association reiterated its stance against such heinous conduct, underscoring its rigorous vetting procedures and strict code of conduct for all adults working with young people. The organization remains resolute in its commitment to ensuring that scouting remains a safe and enjoyable environment for all children and young people involved.