A former scout group leader who pleaded guilty to historical sexual abuse dating back to the 1970s has been jailed.

Paul Santon, 68, of Cotlandswick, St Albans, Hertfordshire, pleaded guilty to two indecent assault charges on a boy aged under 16 at Harrow Crown Court.

On Friday, 14 December, he was sentenced at the same court to 20 months in prison. The abuse took place in Harrow in 1972 and 1978 when Santon was a Scout Master.

Detective Constable Alyson Suddick of the Met’s Child Abuse and Sexual Offences Command, said: "Santon abused his position within the Scouts and carried out these sexual assaults.

"We are grateful to the victims for having the courage to come forward and assist police in this investigation. I sincerely hope that the outcome of this case and the sentences imposed bring them a measure of comfort.”

An NSPCC spokesperson said: “Santon shockingly used his position as a scout leader to subject a young boy to sickening abuse.

“It’s important that all victims of non-recent abuse know that it is never too late to come forward, report their ordeals and get support, no matter how much time has passed.

“Adults can report abuse and get confidential help and advice by calling the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 500 or vis help@nspcc.org.uk.”

This follows the jailing of another scout leader, from the same group, Philip Levi, 73 (21.02.45), of Vinery Court, Ramsey, Cambridgeshire, who was sentenced to 11 years’ imprisonment after pleading guilty to 15 counts of indecent assault on a child aged under 16, and two counts of indeceny towards a child aged under 16.