Scout leader accused of abusing young boy

Pair drank alcohol and watched porn

A MIDDLE-aged scout master carried out a string of sex assaults on a young boy, jurors heard this week.

Peter Swynford was active in the Thatcham Scouts, and befriended his victim when he was in the Cubs, aged just 11, it is alleged.

Angus Robertson, opening the prosecution case at Reading Crown Court on Tuesday, said that when the boy was aged 13, Mr Swynford began inviting him to his home, plying him with alcohol and showing him pornographic films.

The 52-year-old admitted engaging in sexual activity but claimed it only happened after the boy was 16 years old and thus above the age of consent.

For a full report of the ongoing trial, grab a copy of today's Newbury Weekly News.