STEVE ETHERINGTON POCKLINGTON SCOUT LEADER TIED UP BOYS AND ABUSED THEM IN SHOCKING CASE
In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the community of Pocklington, Steven Etherington, a 44-year-old former Scout leader, has been convicted of heinous acts involving young boys under his supervision.Etherington, who resided at Fat Rabbit Farm in Fangfoss near Pocklington, had served as a Scout leader for two decades, during which he was entrusted with the responsibility of guiding and protecting children, as well as training other leaders in child safeguarding protocols.
The court proceedings revealed a series of disturbing incidents where Etherington engaged in acts of physical and sexual abuse.
The jury found him guilty of two counts of sexual assault, though Etherington continues to deny any wrongdoing.
Despite his claims of innocence, the court heard detailed accounts of his abusive behavior.
Judge Simon Jack addressed the court and the defendant directly, stating, "The parents of these children allowed them to be in your company because they trusted you, and you abused that trust by using these children for your own sexual gratification." The judge emphasized that Etherington's denial of guilt was unfounded, noting, "You still do not accept that, but that is the finding of the jury." He further remarked on Etherington's refusal to acknowledge the sexual nature of his actions, despite the jury’s verdict and evidence presented.
One particularly disturbing incident involved Etherington binding a teenage boy’s hands and feet in a 'hog-tie' using cables, then whipping him with a wet tea towel as a form of punishment for not wearing a high-visibility vest while cycling.
Another case involved Etherington staking a boy to the ground with tent pegs in a star shape, tying him down as a bizarre lesson not to be ticklish.
These acts were described during the trial as part of a humiliating ritual that Etherington used to exert control and inflict harm.
The court also heard that Etherington had previously subjected a boy to a humiliating 'punishment' ritual, which included tying him to tent pegs in a star shape to discourage ticklishness.
Such acts demonstrated a pattern of abusive behavior that extended beyond simple misconduct, revealing a disturbing level of cruelty and manipulation.
Etherington’s defense lawyer, Mark Bury, attempted to mitigate his client’s actions by suggesting that Etherington had never truly 'grown up' and likened him to the fictional character 'Peter Pan,' implying a lack of maturity and responsibility.
However, the court’s judgment was clear.
Etherington was sentenced to a three-year community order, which includes mandatory attendance at the Northumbria Sex Offenders Treatment Programme.
Additionally, he was banned from working with children indefinitely, a measure intended to prevent any future abuse.
Judge Jack also ordered Etherington to sign the Sex Offenders’ Register and pay court costs amounting to £3,500.
In his concluding remarks, Judge Jack stated, "You will not be in a position of authority over children where you will be able to take advantage of them again," underscoring the seriousness of the crimes and the importance of safeguarding children from individuals like Etherington in the future.
