Man convicted of sex offences against children while scout leader

A man has been convicted of sexual offences committed against children he met while he was a scout leader. 

Matt Ellett, from Taunton, stood trial after being charged with 19 offences against five children and the jury returned a unanimous guilty verdict in all of those counts yesterday (Wednesday 5 August).

Taunton Crown Court, sitting at North Somerset Courthouse, was told during the trial the 32-year-old befriended the children through his voluntary work, but then went onto sexually abuse them.

The jury found Ellett guilty of the following offences relating to five children.

• Five counts of sexual activity with a child under 16.
• Two counts of causing or inciting a child under 16 to engage in sexual activity.
• Five counts of sexual assault of a child under 13.
• Three counts of causing or inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity.
• Two counts of causing or inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity.
• Three counts of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child under 13.
• Assault of a child under 13 by penetration

DS Phil Hockey said: “Matt Ellett was a popular volunteer within the scouting movement. Many of the children’s parents believed he was a positive influence on the youngsters’ lives.

“The outward character Ellett portrayed though acted as a way for him to earn a position of trust, which he exploited for his own horrific sexual gratification. 

“He has never admitted to what he did and this trial has been incredibly difficult for all those giving and listening to the evidence. 

“The victims who came forward have shown incredible courage from start to finish. These verdicts do not undo or reduce the enormous pain Ellett caused them and their families, but we sincerely hope they provide some relief to all those affected by his crimes.”

Ellett was remanded into custody and will be sentenced on October 5 at the same court.

DS Hockey added: “We know reporting non-recent sexual offences is a really big step for anyone. 

“We hope that convictions for sexual offenders like Ellett give victims the confidence to come forward, because it doesn’t matter if the offence happened yesterday or 20 years ago, that person will be believed and the crime investigated.”