Scout leader jailed for sexual abuse of young girl

Daniel Williams had been a scout leader for more than 10 years, Sussex Police said

A scout leader who sexually abused a young girl from Sussex has been jailed.

Daniel Williams used his trusted position to enable his offending, which took place while acting in his role, Det Con Dan Griffiths said.

The victim, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, has received support from specially-trained officers.

At Lewes Crown Court, the 51-year-old was sentenced to five years in prison after admitting to assaulting a girl under the age of 13 by penetration and three counts of possessing indecent images of children.

Williams, a former maintenance engineer, was also given a sexual harm prevention order to restrict his access to children, and will be a registered sex offender for life.

He was also sentenced to an additional year on licence, which means he will not be automatically released half way through his sentence.

Det Con Griffiths said: “Daniel Williams is a dangerous offender who used his trusted position to enable his offending.

“He has abused that trust in the most abhorrent manner.”

He added: “The victim in this case showed tremendous courage to come forward and report what had happened.”