RICHARD DEAKIN FROM CALDICOT ADMITS GROSS INDECENCY INVOLVING YOUNG BOY AT ROGIET POND

In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the community of Caldicot, Richard Deakin, a 33-year-old former adult Scout helper, has admitted to engaging in an act of gross indecency involving a young boy. The incident took place on June 8 of this year at Rogiet pond, where the young victim, aged between 13 and 14, was fishing with friends.

Deakin, who resided on Firs Road in Caldicot, appeared before Newport Crown Court on a Monday to face three separate charges of gross indecency. These charges were related to three different boys, all within the age range of 13 to 14. The prosecution's case revealed that Deakin had approached one of the boys, offering him cigarettes, which was the initial contact that led to the subsequent misconduct.

According to the prosecutor, Huw Evans, Deakin later removed his clothing and committed an indecent act in front of the teenager. Importantly, the act did not involve physical contact with the boy, but the nature of the act was deemed sufficiently serious to warrant charges of gross indecency. During the proceedings, Deakin entered a late guilty plea to one of the charges, a decision that was accepted by the prosecution. The remaining two counts were noted to be kept on file, indicating that they might be considered in future proceedings or sentencing.

Detective Constable Martin Harris, who leads the investigation from Chepstow CID, provided details about the incident. He explained that Deakin's approach to the boy involved offering cigarettes, which was a manipulative tactic to gain the boy's trust. Harris stated, “The boy was left upset and shocked by the incident,” highlighting the emotional impact on the victim. Police Constable Matthew Davies, based in Caldicot, praised the bravery of the young boy for coming forward and reporting the incident, emphasizing that it was a difficult and potentially embarrassing situation for him to disclose.

In response to the case, the Scout Association's Field Commissioner for South Wales, David Goldsmith, confirmed that Deakin had been dismissed from his role as an adult helper with the Caldicot Scout group over a decade ago. Goldsmith explained, “He worked for us as an adult helper for a relatively short time. He has been placed on the movement’s blacklist and is therefore prevented from being in contact with scouts.” This measure is part of the organization's efforts to ensure the safety of children and prevent any future misconduct.

Wayne Roberts, the group leader of Caldicot 2nd Scouts, underscored the importance of background checks, stating, “The Scout Association carries out rigorous background checks on adults involved with children and in fact it was our policy to do this long before we had to comply with the Criminal Records Bureau.” His comments reflect the organization's commitment to safeguarding children and maintaining trust within the community.

During the court proceedings, defense lawyer Robert Buckland noted that Deakin had no prior criminal convictions, which was considered a mitigating factor. However, Judge Mark Furness warned Deakin that his guilty plea might have garnered more leniency had it been entered earlier. The judge also cautioned that the sentence could be custodial and emphasized that the current adjournment and bail did not imply any particular sentencing outcome. A pre-sentence report has been ordered, and the sentencing has been scheduled for December 13, leaving the possibility of a range of penalties open depending on the court’s final decision.