BRIAN LEWIS: HORRIFIC SCANDAL IN HUCCLECOTE AND GLOUCESTER REVEALED

In a disturbing case that has shocked the communities of Hucclecote and Gloucester, Brian Lewis, an 85-year-old former scoutmaster, has admitted to a series of heinous sexual offenses committed over several decades. Lewis, who resides on Gilpin Avenue in Hucclecote, was previously imprisoned in 2014 for abusing four boys during camping trips in the 1970s and 1980s. Now, new charges have come to light, revealing that he assaulted an additional ten young victims, all under the age of 16, over an 18-year span.

Yesterday, Lewis appeared once again before Gloucester Crown Court, where he faced a total of 26 counts of indecent assault. These charges pertain to ten different boys, and all allegations involve acts of sexual misconduct that occurred during various camping excursions across the UK. Lewis has pleaded guilty to all 26 charges, and he was granted bail until March 9, when the court will formally sentence him. The same judge who previously sentenced him in 2014 will oversee the upcoming hearing.

Prosecutor Janine Wood highlighted that two of the newly admitted charges are more serious than any of those Lewis previously confessed to. In 2014, Lewis had admitted to seven counts of indecent assault and two of gross indecency involving boys. Those earlier offenses came to light after one of his victims decided to report the abuse to authorities, revealing a pattern of predatory behavior.

During the court proceedings, it was detailed how Lewis exploited his trusted position as a scout leader to gain access to vulnerable boys. He would take groups of young boys on camping trips around the UK, often in his camper van. The victims, some of whom slept in tents or in the vehicle with him, were subjected to groping and sexual acts during these trips. Many of the boys involved were under the age of 14, and due to the social context of the time, they found it difficult to report or understand the severity of the abuse.

Judge Jamie Tabor QC, in his sentencing remarks in 2014, expressed a somber reflection on Lewis’s actions. He acknowledged Lewis’s contributions to the community but condemned his exploitation of his role to satisfy his sexual urges. The judge stated, “You took children on expeditions all around. You were completely trusted to look after the children’s welfare and as a scout leader that meant not only their physical welfare but their moral welfare as well. You used your role to gain access to young boys as a means of gratifying your sexual appetite. They were mostly under the age of 14 and particularly in the spirit of that time it would have been impossible for them to have complained – you knew that and you exploited it.”

In the 2014 case, Lewis was sentenced to five years and three months in prison after admitting to seven charges of indecent assault and two of gross indecency. The case was brought to light thanks to the bravery of one of his victims, who reported the abuse in September 2012. The victims recounted similar stories of how Lewis would take them on camping trips, often in his camper van, where he would grope them and perform sexual acts during the night. Despite his actions, many of the victims described Lewis as a friendly, knowledgeable, and respected leader, which made his betrayal even more devastating.

Following his 2014 conviction, Lewis was asked to resign from the Scout movement in 1982 after allegations from other boys surfaced. However, he continued to target a fourth victim, whom he molested after his resignation. His defense team presented references attesting to his leadership qualities, including a commendation from a former scout who became a police officer. Lewis expressed remorse and wished to apologize to all those affected by his actions.

Judge Tabor’s remarks underscored the tragic duality of Lewis’s character, noting, “There is no doubt that you have done considerable good within the community over your lifetime. You have impressed many people. Regrettably, as in some other recent cases, there was another side to you, the dark side, and it was a side that may not have reached the public’s ears until after your death.” The court’s proceedings continue as Lewis awaits sentencing, with the full extent of his crimes now laid bare for the public and the victims alike.