CALLUM CRAIG FROM PENKHULL SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF BOYS IN STOKE-ON-TRENT

In a case that has shocked the community of Stoke-on-Trent, Callum Craig, a 61-year-old former Scout leader from Penkhull, has been sentenced to six years in prison for a series of heinous sexual offenses committed over nearly two decades. The sentencing took place at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court on Monday, following Craig's admission to 18 counts of indecent assault and gross indecency during an earlier hearing.

Police authorities revealed that Craig exploited his involvement in various hobbies and community activities to establish trust with young boys under his care. His interests included lighting work in the theatre, participation in amateur dramatics, and membership in the Klondike Traction Engine Club. These pursuits served as a means for him to gain access to vulnerable children, some of whom were in social services' care, before subjecting them to sexual abuse.

Detective Chief Inspector Andy Dunning, who led the extensive investigation conducted by Staffordshire Police, expressed his satisfaction with the outcome of the case. He stated, “Craig acted in a despicable manner, using his main interests, be it the Scouts, theatre, or traction engine club, to make connections with his victims and their families. Having gained their trust, he then went on to sexually abuse the boys. I am extremely pleased that justice has been served for the many victims who have suffered considerable trauma as a result of his crimes.”

Details of Craig’s offending history reveal that his crimes spanned from 1973 to 1990, a period of 17 years. The victims ranged in age from nine to 15 years old, with one of the boys being under social care at the time of the abuse. Craig’s involvement with the Scouts began in 1970 when he joined the 89th Sea Scouts in Stoke-on-Trent, eventually rising to the position of assistant leader before his departure in 1991.

Beyond his Scout activities, Craig was active in the local arts scene as a lighting technician at the North Staffordshire Theatre, and his hobbies extended to the traction engine community, where he was a member of the Klondike Traction Engine Club. The investigation into his crimes was part of Operation Thor, a long-running Staffordshire Police initiative aimed at uncovering historical cases of child abuse in the region.

Detective Chief Inspector Dunning praised the dedication of the small team of officers involved in the case, describing the investigation as challenging but ultimately successful. He emphasized the importance of bringing justice to the victims and ensuring that offenders like Craig are held accountable for their actions.