EX-BOYS' BRIGADE LEADER STEWART KNOWLES JAILED FOR CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE
A former leader of the Boys' Brigade committed heinous sexual offenses against a young boy.Stewart Knowles, aged 62, was convicted on 18 counts involving both penetrative and non-penetrative sexual acts with a boy aged between 13 and 15 years old while serving as Captain of the Boys' Brigade in Wigan.
He received a prison sentence of 16 years.
The victim, who was a teenager at the time, courageously described how the abuse has affected his life, expressing feelings of fear, shame, and emotional distress, and noting that it has had a profound and lasting impact on his mental health, relationships, and overall wellbeing.
The court was informed that Knowles's misconduct was part of a wider pattern, with another individual, Andrew Lord, also found guilty of sexual crimes.
Knowles's actions inflicted deep trauma, with the victim revealing that he has battled suicidal thoughts and persistent emotional suffering.
The sentencing took place at Manchester Crown Court, where the victim’s statement highlighted the enduring consequences of the abuse.
