DAVID FERRON FROM MIDDLETON SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF BOYS IN GREATER MANCHESTER

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Middleton and the wider Greater Manchester area, David Ferron, a 62-year-old man known locally as "The Colonel," has been sentenced to a decade behind bars for a series of heinous sexual offenses involving minors. The crimes, which spanned over two decades, involved the abuse of eight young boys and took place both at a scout base and during various camping trips organized by the scout group.

Ferron, a former scout leader, pleaded guilty to more than 30 separate charges, including indecent assault, indecency with a child, attempted sexual assault, and possession of indecent photographs. His actions were described by Judge Clement Goldstone QC, who presided over the case at Manchester Crown Court, as the conduct of a "depraved and perverted man." The judge's stern words underscored the gravity of Ferron’s offenses and the betrayal of trust involved.

The court heard that Ferron’s abuse occurred during the 1980s and 1990s, targeting boys aged between seven and 15. Many of these acts were documented through photographs and videos, which Ferron took during the assaults. The victims, who came forward after a previous conviction, provided evidence that painted a picture of systematic and predatory behavior. In 2001, Ferron was convicted of taking indecent photographs of boys while they slept, a crime that led to a 12-month jail sentence. However, subsequent investigations revealed that he had continued his abusive activities.

Following his latest arrest, police conducted a thorough search of Ferron’s home and discovered additional indecent photographs stored on his computer. Investigators also uncovered evidence that Ferron had created three social media accounts, posing as two 13-year-old boys and a 50-year-old youth counselor, in an apparent attempt to lure or communicate with minors online. Prosecutor Maurice Greene highlighted that the victims’ testimonies demonstrated a pattern of "systematic and clearly predatory offending," emphasizing the calculated nature of Ferron’s actions.

Judge Goldstone condemned Ferron’s abuse of his position of trust, stating that he exploited his role within the scout movement to target vulnerable boys. The judge remarked that Ferron’s decision to leave the Scout group after his initial conviction only increased his opportunities to continue his predatory behavior, which he did without remorse. The court’s verdict reflects the seriousness with which such breaches of trust and sexual misconduct are regarded, especially when committed against children in a community that once looked up to Ferron as a leader and mentor.