January 2001 Pervert Scout leader jailed for three years A PERVERTED Scoutmaster who made sex attacks on three boys has been jailed for three years at Worcester Crown Court. Jason Todd, 24, attacked a 13 year old at the troop’s hut and also molested boys aged 10 and 12 at a house on up to 11 occasions, said prosecutor William Rickarby. Todd, of Pembridge Close, Redditch, pleaded guilty to nine counts of indecent assault and gross indecency with a child. The defendant was a Scout as a child and became a leader at the age of 18, the court heard. He asked his first victim to help move equipment from a storeroom to a loft but as he held tentpoles, began groping him, said Mr Rickarby. Todd then indecently assaulted the boy, who was too scared to make a complaint. He assaulted the lad on a second occasion but had to stop quickly when the mother of another Scout called at the building. After a third occasion, the boy decided in March last year that he must reveal the leader’s behaviour and blurted out to his mother: ”He tried to rape me.” The boy needed counselling after the offences. Todd, of previous good character, also touched the private parts of two boys who were unconnected with the Scouts between August 1999 and January 2000. Gareth Walters, defending, said his guilty pleas had saved the youngsters the ordeal of giving evidence at court. Todd had taken positive steps to understand his behaviour and try to curb it. He had seen a psychologist and paid for sessions with a therapist who helps offenders. Mr Walters said: ”He is deeply sorry for what he’s done but realises a prison sentence must follow to reflect the court’s distaste.” Judge David McEvoy QC ordered that Todd’s prison licence following his release should be extended by two years. He must also register as a sex offender for 10 years. The judge said although they were very serious offences, Todd recognised he had a sexual problem to overcome.