Axiell Internet Server 5

Title
Justice for Islington ex-scouts 40 years after abuse: Police praise courage of victims who came forward
Author
Islington Tribune
Material
Article
External document
Former scouts who were victims of sexual abuse 40 years ago finally saw justice this week. Ian Barker, 61, who lives off Essex Road, preyed on boys while volunteering at an Islington scout troop during the late 1970s and early 1980s. Barker, who would have been in his early 20s at the time, was sentenced to 10 years in prison at Blackfriars Crown Court yesterday (Thursday). He pleaded guilty to indecent assault on a boy under 14 and four counts of indecency with children. The guilty plea came during the third day of his trial after he had heard one of his victims give evidence. Detective Constable Richard Bolton, the investigating officer from Central North Command Unit’s safeguarding team, said: “These convictions represent justice for two victims who have been living with this trauma for decades. “Barker is a dangerous offender who preyed on vulnerable young people. I would like to thank the victims for their courage in reporting this matter to police after so many years.” One victim first went to police two years ago to accuse Barker of sexually assaulting him between 1979 and 1981 while he was aged under 14. The court heard that Barker paid “special” attention to the victim, promising to teach him scouting skills. A second victim from the same scout troop was identified after Barker’s arrest in May 2015.
Notes
Islington Tribune filed at A-Z periodicals (Islington Local History Centre)
Audio