KENNETH FAWCETT SCOUT LEADER FROM BARNOLDSWICK AND BARROWFORD JAILED FOR ABUSE

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the communities of Barnoldswick and Barrowford, Kenneth Allan Fawcett, a 61-year-old former scoutmaster, has been sentenced to four years in prison for a series of heinous sexual abuses committed against young boys over a span of more than a decade. The crimes, which took place between 1974 and 1990, involved multiple locations and a pattern of predatory behavior that has left a lasting impact on the victims and the community alike.

Fawcett, who previously held the position of Assistant County Commissioner for the Scout Fellowship, was found guilty of repeatedly abusing boys, some as young as 11 and 12 years old. The abuse occurred at various sites, including Fawcett’s former residence on Conway Crescent in Barnoldswick, where he molested victims while his wife was downstairs preparing dinner. Additional locations included the West Craven scout hut and the Barnoldswick scout hut, places where young boys had trusted him as a leader and mentor.

Remarkably, Fawcett only admitted his guilt on the morning of his sentencing. He pleaded guilty to 26 counts of sexual abuse of young boys and three counts of indecency with children who were under his care. His admission came after a lengthy investigation and numerous testimonies from victims, many of whom are now adults. The court was told that the victims recounted abuse at various locations, including Bowley scout camp, the Lake District scout camp, Nelson swimming pool, and during train-spotting trips, as well as at the scout huts in Barnoldswick and West Craven.

During the sentencing hearing, Judge Anthony Russell took into account Fawcett’s early guilty plea, his advanced age, and his ill health. The court also heard a character reference from Reverend John Hallows, the vicar of St Thomas’ Church in Barrowford, where Fawcett was a member. Fawcett, who is also known as Alan Fawcett, currently resides on Fife Street in Barrowford.

As part of his sentence, Fawcett will be subject to a sexual offences prevention order for ten years upon his release, which will prohibit him from having unsupervised contact with children. Additionally, his name will remain on the sex offenders’ register for the rest of his life, ensuring ongoing monitoring and restrictions.

The investigation was notably long and complex, with authorities being alerted after a former victim, now involved in church youth groups, recognized that Fawcett was still active as a scout leader decades after the abuse. Over several months, more victims came forward, sharing their experiences with police. Detective Constable Dave Milburn of the Public Protection Unit led the inquiry and expressed his support for the victims, praising their bravery in coming forward to report the abuse, which was of a highly sensitive and traumatic nature.

Prosecutor Janet Ironefield highlighted the emotional toll on victims, with one recalling feeling “strange and dirty” and acknowledging that “things had gone too far.”

In response to the case, a spokesperson for the Scout Association issued a statement emphasizing their commitment to safeguarding children. The organization stated that it takes allegations of abuse very seriously and has taken immediate action to suspend Fawcett from the movement once the allegations surfaced. The Scout Association also reaffirmed its rigorous vetting procedures for all adults working with young people and adherence to the ‘Young People First’ Code of Practice, aiming to prevent individuals with harmful intentions from gaining access to children in their programs.