ELTHAM SCOUT LEADER MICHAEL WATLING SENTENCED FOR ABUSE OF BOYS IN ELTHAM AND WOOLWICH
| Red Rose Database
Eltham Sexual Abuser
In a disturbing case that has shocked the community, Michael Watling, a 62-year-old former scout leader from Crookston Road, Eltham, has been sentenced to six years in prison for a series of sexual offenses committed against young boys. The sentencing took place at Woolwich Crown Court, where Watling was found guilty of 16 separate charges involving eight boys aged between 14 and 15. Additionally, he received a concurrent six-month sentence for the indecent assault of a 21-year-old man.
Watling, who previously worked as a public relations officer for the UK Atomic Energy Authority, was initially charged with a total of 37 offenses related to 11 different minors. However, he ultimately pleaded guilty to 17 of these charges, which resulted in the current sentences. The remaining 20 counts will be kept on file, meaning they may be used in future proceedings if necessary.
The court heard harrowing details of how Watling exploited his position of authority within the scouting community to manipulate and abuse vulnerable boys. Evidence revealed that he would buy cigarettes, provide meals, and organize trips to London for his victims, creating opportunities for his predatory behavior. One particularly disturbing incident took place at an Eltham scout hut, where Watling showed a boy pornographic films and introduced him to alcohol, further demonstrating his pattern of grooming and exploitation.
The abuse was primarily carried out during official and unofficial trips organized by Watling, which allowed him to target multiple victims over a period of time. The misconduct came to light in May of the previous year when one of the victims bravely came forward and reported the abuse to police authorities. Following this revelation, police conducted a search of Watling’s residence, uncovering two boards filled with seemingly innocent photographs of boys engaged in scouting activities. However, these images also included a montage listing the names of boys he had abused, revealing the extent of his misconduct.
One of Watling’s victims, who still struggles with trust issues in personal relationships, provided a statement describing the impact of the abuse. The individual said, “If you upset Mike, you didn’t get invited to Monmouth or a gang show. If I didn’t let him do the things he did, I know I would not have been taken to the Edinburgh gang show.” This testimony highlights the manipulative tactics Watling used to control and isolate his victims.
It was also revealed that Watling held several official positions within the scouting organization, including assistant county commissioner for community development. He resigned from the Scouts last year after being cautioned for indecent assault by West Midlands Police, relating to incidents that occurred between 1970 and 1972. His resignation followed the exposure of his misconduct and the subsequent legal proceedings.
During sentencing, Judge Philip Norris condemned Watling’s actions, stating, “Quite clearly you were always the instigator of what occurred. Under the cover of being a scout leader, you were systematically targeting and corrupting scouts to satisfy your sexual desires.” The judge also ordered that Watling be banned from working with children under 18 years old, placed on the sex offenders register indefinitely, and ordered him to pay costs amounting to £5,600. This case underscores the importance of safeguarding measures within youth organizations and the devastating impact of abuse by trusted figures in the community.
Watling, who previously worked as a public relations officer for the UK Atomic Energy Authority, was initially charged with a total of 37 offenses related to 11 different minors. However, he ultimately pleaded guilty to 17 of these charges, which resulted in the current sentences. The remaining 20 counts will be kept on file, meaning they may be used in future proceedings if necessary.
The court heard harrowing details of how Watling exploited his position of authority within the scouting community to manipulate and abuse vulnerable boys. Evidence revealed that he would buy cigarettes, provide meals, and organize trips to London for his victims, creating opportunities for his predatory behavior. One particularly disturbing incident took place at an Eltham scout hut, where Watling showed a boy pornographic films and introduced him to alcohol, further demonstrating his pattern of grooming and exploitation.
The abuse was primarily carried out during official and unofficial trips organized by Watling, which allowed him to target multiple victims over a period of time. The misconduct came to light in May of the previous year when one of the victims bravely came forward and reported the abuse to police authorities. Following this revelation, police conducted a search of Watling’s residence, uncovering two boards filled with seemingly innocent photographs of boys engaged in scouting activities. However, these images also included a montage listing the names of boys he had abused, revealing the extent of his misconduct.
One of Watling’s victims, who still struggles with trust issues in personal relationships, provided a statement describing the impact of the abuse. The individual said, “If you upset Mike, you didn’t get invited to Monmouth or a gang show. If I didn’t let him do the things he did, I know I would not have been taken to the Edinburgh gang show.” This testimony highlights the manipulative tactics Watling used to control and isolate his victims.
It was also revealed that Watling held several official positions within the scouting organization, including assistant county commissioner for community development. He resigned from the Scouts last year after being cautioned for indecent assault by West Midlands Police, relating to incidents that occurred between 1970 and 1972. His resignation followed the exposure of his misconduct and the subsequent legal proceedings.
During sentencing, Judge Philip Norris condemned Watling’s actions, stating, “Quite clearly you were always the instigator of what occurred. Under the cover of being a scout leader, you were systematically targeting and corrupting scouts to satisfy your sexual desires.” The judge also ordered that Watling be banned from working with children under 18 years old, placed on the sex offenders register indefinitely, and ordered him to pay costs amounting to £5,600. This case underscores the importance of safeguarding measures within youth organizations and the devastating impact of abuse by trusted figures in the community.