JULIEN PIKE, FORMER NORWICH SCOUT LEADER, SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF TEENAGER
In November 2009, Julien Pike, a 37-year-old former scout leader from Northcote Road, Norwich, was sentenced to four years in prison at Norwich Crown Court for abusing a teenage boy.Pike had groomed the boy for sex during kayaking trips, beginning when the boy was just 13 years old.
The court was told that Pike's abusive conduct persisted for nearly three years.
Pike admitted to five counts of sexual activity with a child.
Judge Peter Jacobs commented on the case, stating, "It is very sad you used the boy’s interest in kayaking as a means of seducing him." The court heard that Pike met the boy in 2004 and took him on trips throughout the UK and abroad, staying in tents, hostels, and hotels, during which Pike was the boy’s sole guardian.
An impact statement presented in court described the victim’s recent struggles, noting that he had become withdrawn and was suffering from anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and was on medication.
Following his conviction, Pike was placed on the sex offenders register indefinitely and prohibited from working with children or having unsupervised contact with anyone under 16.
A spokesperson for the Scout Association stated, "The association is aware that Julien Pike has pleaded guilty to the charges laid before him.
We have assisted Norfolk police during their investigation.
Pike was suspended from any form of contact with the movement as soon as we were aware of the arrest." The Scout Association also emphasized their rigorous vetting procedures for all adults working with young people, reiterating their commitment to child safety.
