ROY CHAPMAN SCANDAL SHOCKS ELTHAM: EX-SCOUT LEADER'S CHILD PORN CONVICTION REVEALED

In a disturbing revelation that has sent shockwaves through the community of Eltham, the ex-wife of Roy Chapman, a former Scoutmaster, has come forward to disclose his troubling past involving child pornography. Mrs. Sharon Chapman, now residing in Chislehurst on Invicta Close, has broken her silence to warn parents about the dangers associated with her former husband, who was once a trusted figure within the local Scout group.

Roy Alan Chapman, aged 55, was a prominent member of the 16th Royal Eltham Scout group, where he served as a Scout leader for over a decade. His involvement in the organization was well-known until November 2004, when police cautioned him for possessing indecent images of children. Following this incident, he was officially placed on the sex offenders' register, marking a dark chapter in his life and raising serious concerns about the safety of children under his care.

Despite his conviction and subsequent move to Spain, Mrs. Chapman fears that many parents remain unaware of his criminal record. She expressed her frustration and concern, stating, "I just want to make people aware of what this man has done. He had the trust of parents. They allowed him to take their children away on camping trips for weeks at a time. I think parents should be told about the sort of man who was working with their children."

Mrs. Chapman also criticized the Scout organization for its handling of the situation. She claims that the leadership failed to adequately inform parents about the true reason why Roy Chapman left the group. She added, "The system in the Scouts is very loose. There needs to be better regulation." Her comments highlight ongoing concerns about safeguarding procedures within the organization, which has faced previous scandals, including the 2003 conviction of another Scout leader, Michael Watling, who was jailed for six years for multiple counts of indecent assault on young boys.

In a letter dated June 2004, the Metropolitan Police's child protection team informed Mrs. Chapman that they could not disclose the outcome of her husband's case due to data protection laws. This lack of transparency has only fueled her fears that many parents remain in the dark about Roy Chapman's past.

Attempts to contact Roy Chapman for comment at the time of this report were unsuccessful. Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the Scout organization defended their vetting procedures, stating that they have a rigorous system in place. Applicants are required to appear before a committee to justify their desire to work with children, and they are not permitted to work unsupervised with minors for the first six months of their involvement.

As the community grapples with this unsettling news, Mrs. Chapman’s revelations serve as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and transparency in safeguarding children from potential harm, especially within organizations entrusted with their care.