A 78-year-old man has been jailed for 10 years 6 months after admitting a string of sexual offences against boys dating back as far as the 1970s.

Barry Warren, of Clifton Road in King’s Lynn was sentenced by Judge Bacon at Norwich Crown Court today Monday 12 October 2015.

Warren had previously pleaded guilty in August 2014 to two counts of gross indecency against two boys under the age of 13 in the west of the county. The offences took place in the mid 1990’s and involved Warren abusing the victims he met in his role as a Scout master.

Following his conviction in 2014 Warren’s sentencing was adjourned after 12 more victims came forward alleging abuse. All offences involved boys under the age of 16 who came into contact with Warren as a Scout master between the mid-1970s and mid-1990s.

The new allegations resulted in Warren pleading guilty to seven counts of gross indecency and one count of sexual assault at Norwich Crown Court on Monday 7 September 2015. Warren was sentenced for all offences at court today.

Detective Con Debbie Payne, from Norfolk Constabulary’s Child Abuse Investigation Unit, welcomed the sentencing, saying, “Warren clearly misused his position of trust to take his unassuming victims on trips on the Norfolk Broads and swimming at the weekends.

“He then used these trips as an opportunity to abuse them. We would like to commend all the victims for the bravery they have shown in speaking to the police.

“Warren’s actions all those years ago, has had a profound impact on many of the victims but we hope such a sentence will help them to move on positively with their lives.

“We would also like to assure other victims of abuse that every allegation is fully investigated by Norfolk Constabulary, with specialist officers guiding victims through the process.

“Support and advice is available from a range of agencies and police work closely with partners to work towards the successful prosecution of offenders.”

Warren was also placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register for life.

Norfolk’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC), The Harbour Centre, operates a 24-hour service for victims of sexual abuse and can be contacted on 0845 456 4810, or call police on 101 to report a crime.

The SARC opened in September 2010 and aims to empower victims by allowing them to report their abuse and undergo medical examinations without prompting a police investigation.

For more information on the Harbour Centre visit:

http://www.theharbourcentre.co.uk/