SIMON COLLIER, FORMER SOUTHMINSTER SCOUT LEADER, SENTENCED TO FOUR YEARS FOR SEXUAL OFFENCES AGAINST 14-YEAR-OLD GIRL

In July 2014, a former Scout leader from Southminster named Simon Collier, aged 30, was sentenced to four years in prison after pleading guilty to three sexual offences. He will also be registered on the sex offenders register for life.

The case emerged after the victim's sister informed their parents that she had seen Collier kissing and cuddling the 14-year-old girl at a swimming pool. Upon investigation, her parents checked her phone and discovered numerous text messages directed to Collier. The prosecution, represented by Nneka Akudolu, described these messages as being of a “loving nature,” in which Collier expressed his love for the girl.

Faced with these revelations, the girl initially told her parents that it was “just a kiss” and insisted she had no intention of having sex until marriage. She admitted she knew the actions were wrong but didn't want to cause Collier trouble, despite his persistent efforts to pursue a relationship, including hounding and kissing her.

Further details revealed that Collier and the girl had met in an orchard in Southminster, where he removed his trousers and claimed they would have sex. He also removed some of her clothing and performed a sex act, though she said no to intercourse.

Judge Lynch QC commented on the case, stating, “There’s evidence here of grooming and targeting. Any 29-year-old man like yourself in a position of trust as a Scout leader who takes advantage of a 14-year-old girl sexually does so at their peril. This was the classic grooming of a young girl by telling her that you loved her – not to make her feel loved but for your own gratification. She was vulnerable not only by virtue of her age but by virtue of her background.”

The court heard that Collier applied pressure on the victim by asking points like, “don’t you like me?” when she refused his advances. Judge Lynch emphasized the impact such actions can have, stating, “We know the impact this can have on vulnerable young women. You were pressuring her into sex and she felt pressured and scared and had nowhere to go. You didn’t show her much empathy; it was all about you.”

Collier was arrested on August 11, but initially responded with “no comment” to all questions. He later pleaded guilty to all charges at the earliest opportunity.

A spokesperson for the Scout Association stated, “The Scout Association is aware of court proceedings involving Collier. Collier’s appointment within the Scout Association was cancelled immediately upon being informed by the statutory agencies. We can confirm that he will never again be involved with the Scout movement. The Scout Association has fully co-operated with law enforcement agencies. We maintain strict vetting procedures for all adults working with young people, following the Young People First Code of Practice.”

Suzanne Stringer of the Crown Prosecution Service in the East of England added, “Collier was in a position of trust as a Scout leader and his behaviour towards his teenage victim was clearly inappropriate. We are pleased he has admitted these offences and has been prosecuted for his actions, which we take very seriously.”