October 2014 Scout leader sentenced after 19,000 indecent images of children were found on his computer A scout leader has been banned indefinitely from the scout movement after more than 19,000 indecent images of children were found on his computer. Paul Baxter, 33, of Chestnut Close, Dereham, who had been a scout leader, admitted possession of the indecent images of children, and appeared for sentence at Norwich Crown Court. Michael Clare, for Baxter, said that he recognised the gravity of his offending, but said Baxter’s interest was in the less serious images, but when he sought out the indecent images, he also got a few of the more serious type. Recorder Maureen Baker imposed a community order with 24 months supervision, under which he will attend a treatment programme. Baxter was also placed on the sex offender’s register and made subject to a sexual offences prevention order. He is also banned from working with children. Speaking after the hearing, Simon Carter, from the Scout Association, said Baxter was suspended from any form of contact with the movement as soon as they were informed by the police of their investigations. He said: “We are pleased that he pleaded guilty to his crimes and is being suitably punished for his actions. “The Scout Association has co-operated fully with the statutory agencies during this case. We can confirm that he will never again be allowed to work within the scout movement.”