RUSSEL BUTLER SCOUTMASTER FROM ARBORFIELD ESCAPES JAIL AFTER SEXUAL ASSAULTS ON YOUNG GIRLS
| Red Rose Database
Arborfield Sexual Abuser
In a case that has shocked the local community, Russel Butler, a former scoutmaster from Arborfield, was involved in a series of disturbing sexual assaults on young girls under his care. The incidents, which took place in March 2018, involved Butler groping a 13-year-old girl and coercing another to expose herself by placing his hand up her skirt. Despite the severity of these allegations, Butler, aged 58, managed to avoid immediate imprisonment due to the leniency of the court.
Butler, who volunteered as a scoutmaster and was entrusted with the supervision of children, was previously expected to face jail time. However, in a surprising decision, a senior judge showed leniency, citing Butler’s responsibilities towards his elderly mother as a mitigating factor. The judge, Maria Lamb, sentenced him to a 20-month jail term, suspended for two years, effectively allowing him to remain free under certain conditions.
During the sentencing, Judge Lamb emphasized the gravity of Butler’s misconduct, stating, "This was a clear abuse of trust on your part. You were a scout master and they were under your care. You were meant to look after and protect them. You used these girls for your own sexual gratification." She also acknowledged Butler’s personal circumstances, noting that he is the sole caregiver for his elderly mother.
Initially, Butler had denied five counts of sexual abuse involving a child but later changed his plea to admit guilt. His criminal record now includes a suspended sentence, and he has been ordered to complete 200 hours of community service. Additionally, he has been subjected to a sexual harm prevention order and will be registered as a sex offender for the next ten years.
Butler’s connections extend beyond Arborfield, with links to Bracknell and Ascot, areas where he may have also been active. The case has raised concerns about safeguarding and the oversight of individuals in positions of trust working with vulnerable children.
Butler, who volunteered as a scoutmaster and was entrusted with the supervision of children, was previously expected to face jail time. However, in a surprising decision, a senior judge showed leniency, citing Butler’s responsibilities towards his elderly mother as a mitigating factor. The judge, Maria Lamb, sentenced him to a 20-month jail term, suspended for two years, effectively allowing him to remain free under certain conditions.
During the sentencing, Judge Lamb emphasized the gravity of Butler’s misconduct, stating, "This was a clear abuse of trust on your part. You were a scout master and they were under your care. You were meant to look after and protect them. You used these girls for your own sexual gratification." She also acknowledged Butler’s personal circumstances, noting that he is the sole caregiver for his elderly mother.
Initially, Butler had denied five counts of sexual abuse involving a child but later changed his plea to admit guilt. His criminal record now includes a suspended sentence, and he has been ordered to complete 200 hours of community service. Additionally, he has been subjected to a sexual harm prevention order and will be registered as a sex offender for the next ten years.
Butler’s connections extend beyond Arborfield, with links to Bracknell and Ascot, areas where he may have also been active. The case has raised concerns about safeguarding and the oversight of individuals in positions of trust working with vulnerable children.