RICHARD PAPWORTH OF SAWBRIDGEWORTH SENTENCED IN HORRIFIC CHILD SEX ABUSE CASE

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Sawbridgeworth and the wider Hertfordshire area, Richard Papworth, a former Scout leader, has been convicted and sentenced for heinous crimes involving child exploitation and abuse. The case came to light after police investigations revealed a pattern of disturbing online behavior and possession of illegal images, leading to a series of criminal charges and a lengthy prison sentence.

In February 2018, Papworth, aged 26 at the time, was found to have engaged in online activities that involved grooming and encouraging teenage boys to perform sexual acts over the internet. He had posed as an 18-year-old female on various online platforms, targeting vulnerable young boys, some of whom were under the age of 13. His actions included creating and sharing explicit videos and images, which he had downloaded and stored on a USB stick. Police discovered twenty-two explicit videos, dating from February to March 2012, during a raid on his home in Hertfordshire, following safeguarding concerns raised by the Scout Association.

These videos depicted extremely serious and illegal content, including the rape of young children, classified at the most severe Category A level. The investigation revealed that Papworth had downloaded over a thousand indecent images of children, demonstrating a disturbing pattern of behavior and a blatant disregard for the safety and well-being of minors. Prosecutor Robert Bryan stated that 15 of the 22 boys tricked by Papworth were under the age of 13, highlighting the grave nature of his offenses.

Following his arrest, Papworth faced multiple charges, including downloading indecent images of children, possessing prohibited images, and engaging in sexual communication with a child. He pleaded guilty to three charges, which led to his sentencing. The court heard that he had caused a child under 16 to engage in sexual activity, as well as a child under 13, further emphasizing the severity of his crimes.

Judge Jonathan Carroll presided over the case at St Albans Crown Court. In his sentencing remarks, he condemned Papworth’s actions as a gross breach of trust, especially given his role as a Scout leader responsible for the safety of young people. The judge stated, “This was undoubtedly a gross breach of trust on every level. As a scout leader in charge of youngsters, you drove a coach and horses through safeguarding regime. You tricked and conned young boys for your own selfish, sexual gratification. You have almost no real insight into your own sexuality and the harm your uncontrolled sexuality has on youngsters who come under your grasp.”

As part of his punishment, Papworth was handed a ten-year prison sentence, with an additional four-year extended sentence. Furthermore, he was subjected to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and was ordered to register as a sex offender for life. The court also banned him from ever working with children again, aiming to prevent any future harm and protect vulnerable minors from his predatory behavior.

In an effort to challenge his sentence, Papworth appeared at London’s Appeal Court on January 18, where he argued that his punishment was excessively harsh. After a brief hearing, Mrs Justice Elisabeth Laing, sitting alongside two other judges, reduced his sentence to five years and four months, reflecting the court’s consideration of the circumstances and the severity of his crimes.