Scout Leader Jailed for 11 Years Over Sick Child Abuse Spree
Antony Allen, 27, from Plaistow, Newham, has been slammed with an 11-year prison sentence after being found guilty of a string of horrific sexual offences against children he met through his decade-long volunteering with the 25th Newham East Scout Group.
Predatory Abuse Behind Scout Leader’s Trusted Mask
Allen abused eight boys aged 8 to 16 over four years, from 2013 to 2017, at homes and scout camps across Essex, Kent, and Wales. The offences included six counts of sexual assault of a child under 13, six counts of sexual activity with a child under 15, and the creation and possession of hundreds of indecent images — including the most severe Category A videos.
Allen’s grooming tactics were chilling. He used text messages to start seemingly innocent chats that quickly turned to explicit sexual language. He twisted the scout “fitness badge” scheme to coerce boys into sending photos of themselves exercising. The close bonds forged on camping trips turned sinister, with victims trapped in tents or surprised in toilets and subjected to abuse.
Trusted Volunteer and Army Reservist’s Dark Double Life
Allen wasn’t just a scout leader. He worked as a teaching assistant and learning mentor at a primary school and was an Army Reservist, training with 7 Rifles in West Ham and deployed to Estonia when the allegations came to light.
His dark deeds were uncovered when a brave victim warned his mother that his younger brother was at risk. Initially dismissed as a joke, the claims gained traction after more victims stepped forward. Police arrested Allen at Heathrow in September 2017 after flying him back from Estonia.
Manipulative Grooming Extended to Families
Allen charmed entire families, winning parents’ trust by running errands and taking children on day trips, masking his sinister intentions. Victims described him as a role model and “second father,” one even calling him “Dad.”
One boy suffered abuse up to 100 times. The cruelty occurred even with family members in the house, highlighting how Allen exploited his position of trust. One victim was so traumatised by inappropriate sexual suggestions he could only write them down for police.
Police Praise Victims’ Bravery; Call for Others to Come Forward
PC Bruce Upson of the Met’s Child Abuse and Sexual Offences Command said: “These children have shown great courage. Their bravery has stopped Allen from offending further. He was a predatory offender who abused his position to harm children and deceive families.”
He urged anyone else affected to contact the NSPCC hotline on 0800 048 0278 quoting ‘Operation Stanhope’.
The mother of a victim said: “I’m really hurt by what Antony has done. He has taken what can never be replaced. This has scarred my child mentally for life. We are shocked and will never trust anyone again. The police have been amazing in getting this conviction.”
