DAVID SLADDIN SCOUT LEADER FROM ELLAND ESCAPES JAIL DESPITE SEX OFFENCES INVOLVING CHILDREN

In a case that has sparked widespread outrage and concern within the community, David Sladdin, a 42-year-old former Scout leader from Catherine Street in Elland, was spared a prison sentence after admitting to serious sexual misconduct involving minors.

Sladdin, who previously served as a leader of the 7th Elland Scouts before ascending to the position of district commissioner in 1997, faced charges related to engaging in sexual activities in the presence of children. The court proceedings revealed that he had a troubling history, including a caution for a similar offence 11 years prior. Despite this, he continued to hold positions of trust within the Scout movement for an additional seven years, until his criminal record was uncovered through a routine Criminal Records Bureau check, which ultimately led to his resignation in 2002.

On the day of sentencing, Bradford Crown Court heard disturbing details of his recent conduct. It was established that Sladdin had met two young boys, aged 11 and 13, in a local shop. The following day, October 22, he arranged to meet them again near the canalside in Sowerby Bridge. During this encounter, he produced a pornographic magazine and engaged in a sexual act in front of the boys, who stood nearby.

Witnesses to the incident included a man working in a nearby office who promptly alerted the police. Sladdin was swiftly arrested following the report. The court was told that the offences were particularly heinous given his prior caution, which should have served as a warning.

Judge Linda Sutcliffe, presiding over the case, expressed her strong disapproval of Sladdin’s actions. She stated, “These were disgusting offences made more serious by the fact you had previously been cautioned for an offence. One’s gut reaction is this calls for an immediate custodial sentence. I have absolutely no doubt there will be members of the public who, quite justifiably, feel that would be the appropriate sentence.”

However, she also emphasized that the offences, while serious, did not constitute the most severe category of such crimes. The judge highlighted the importance of addressing the underlying issues that attracted Sladdin to young boys and ordered a series of penalties aimed at rehabilitation and public safety.

As part of his sentence, Sladdin was handed a three-year community order requiring him to complete 150 hours of unpaid work. Additionally, he was subjected to a six-month curfew from 8 pm to 8 am. He was also banned indefinitely from working with children, placed on the Sex Offender’s Register for five years, and ordered to participate in a sex offender treatment program run by the West Yorkshire Probation Service. The court also imposed a fine of £220 to cover costs.

Reactions from the Scout Association were mixed. Chris Foster, a spokesperson for the organization, initially called for Sladdin to be jailed but later retracted that statement, citing that the judicial process had run its course and that Sladdin was no longer affiliated with the Scouts.

Meanwhile, Acting Detective Inspector Gary Stephenson reaffirmed the police’s commitment to protecting children, stating, “The message is clear, we will continue to investigate those, like Sladdin, who commit these despicable offences while preying on the innocence of children.”

Community members and advocacy groups continue to express outrage and concern over the leniency of the sentence, emphasizing the need for ongoing vigilance and preventative measures to safeguard vulnerable children from predators like David Sladdin.