A former scout leader has been jailed after admitting a string of historical child sexual abuse offences dating back to the 70s.
Stuart May, aged 79, was a scout leader in Wylde Green, Sutton Coldfield when the offences occurred in the 1970s.
Police launched an investigation when a victim contacted us in 2021 telling us that he had been abused by May when he was 12 or 13.
This led us to a second victim who confirmed he had been abused when he was 10-13 years old.
After accessing records held by the Scout Association, Police traced two further victims who were abused by May between the ages of 10 and 13.
All of the victims said the abuse happened on several occasions at addresses linked to May, in his car, on scout trips and in the scout hut, often with several other boys present.
Investigating officer Elizabeth Weston, from our Public Protection Unit, said: “During the course of the investigation a number of boys were identified, but unfortunately some still remain untraced. Those who have come forward confirm there were often other boys present during their abuse, and as such it is believed that there are others who have either a personal story to share, or who may have been witness to incidents of abuse.
“If so, we would encourage them to contact us.
“All of those involved have been offered support and a number are now engaged in therapy programmes to support them through the trauma of disclosure, reliving these events and now through the legal process.”
May, of Sketchley Lane, Ratcliffe Culey, Leicestershire, initially denied any wrongdoing, but pleaded guilty at Birmingham Crown Court on 15 June to eight counts of gross indecency with a boy under 14 years of age and three counts of inciting a boy under 14 years of age to commit an act of gross indecency.
He was sentenced yesterday to eight years and nine months and will be on the sex offenders register for life.