A former scout group leader – now living in Cambridgeshire - pleaded guilty to non-recent sexual abuse dating back to the 1970s and 1980s.

Philip Levi, 73, of Vinery Court, Ramsey, Cambridgeshire, pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing of 15 counts of indecent assault on a child aged under 16, and two counts of indecency towards a child aged under 16.

On Friday at Harrow Crown Court he was sentenced to a total of 11 years and three months’ imprisonment.

The abuse took place in Harrow between 1972 and 1984 when Levi was a scout master.

Officers from the Met’s Child Abuse and Sexual Offences Command began an investigation after a male victim came forward in November 2016 to report being sexually abused by Levi as a child.

During the course of the investigation, further victims were identified who also reported being abused by him. Levi was arrested on December 5, 2017 and later charged.

DC Alyson Suddick, of the Child Abuse and Sexual Offences Command, said:” Philip Levi abused his position within the scouting organisation to prey on young boys under his care, subjecting them to systematic sexual abuse at a time in their lives when they should have been carefree and enjoying the many benefits of being a Scout.

“We are grateful to the victims for having the courage to come forward and assist police in this investigation.

“All suffered severe psychological trauma as a result of their experience and I would like to commend each and every one of them for their dignity throughout. I sincerely hope that the outcome of this case and the sentences imposed bring them a measure of comfort.

“Outcomes of this nature prove that men like Levi will not evade justice no matter how much time has passed. We would like to urge any other victims of Levi to come forward with information. All allegations will be treated with sensitivity and in the strictest of confidence.”

The judge commented that parents had put their boys into his trust assuming he would be a role model. Instead he chose to systematically abuse them.

He described Levi as a predatory and persistent offender.

In court to listen to Levi’s guilty plea were some of his victims who shook their heads in disgust as his depravity were described.

Levi had invited boys to his home where he carried out the abuse.

In statements read out to the court, Levi’s victims described feelings of shame and embarrassment. Some have gone on to develop issues with alcohol and found it hard to have loving relationships.

In 1985 the court heard that Levi had admitted indecent assault on a 12-year-old boy and received a fine. Levi had invited the boy back to a caravan where the offence took place.

Justin Bearman., prosecuting, told the court: ‘The offences represent clearly a gross breach of trust.

‘That gross breach of trust has led to the obviously devastating effect on all of them both then and as they grew older and remains to this day.

‘The effect on their adult lives, of the inability to form stable loving relationships are just a few of those breaches of trust.’

An NSPCC spokesperson said: “Levi probably thought he’d long got away with his sickening crimes but the tremendous bravery of the victims in this case meant he could no longer hide from his vile abuse.

“It’s vital that children know that sexual abuse is never the fault of the victim and that it is never too late to speak out, get support and bring perpetrators to justice.

“It’s important that children are taught to recognise abuse from an early age and empowered to report it to a trusted adult or Childline, which they can contact anytime on 0800 1111 or via www.childline.org.uk “