Stephen Daniell was
sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court

by Keith Hunt

A former scoutmaster who behaved indecently with boys while on a
camping trip has walked free from court.

A judge told Stephen Daniell it was more in the public interest
that he be placed on a community order with sex offender
treatment.

The 48-year-old window cleaner was controversially allowed to go
on holiday to Center Parks in Elveden Forest, Suffolk, while on
bail by Judge Stephen Byers.

But the trip was cancelled by the family resort when bosses heard about the convictions.

"it was difficult for him, given his background of a strict christian upbringing, to deal with these issues..." – keiran brand, defending

The judge said at a later hearing Center Parcs had been "very
sensible", adding: "I am pleased to see they have done what they
did."

Daniell, of Albion Road, Tunbridge Wells, admitted six offences
of indecency with a child - committed 14 years ago on a
bird-watching visit to Snowdonia National Park, in Wales.

Lucy Luttman, prosecuting, said Daniell - who has two
cautions for flashing at train passengers around the same time
- would encourage the boys to "get naked" and play forfeit
games.

"One was made to skirt between the layers of the tent,
which was wet with condensation, and another had to remove keys
from the top of a tent using his feet," said Miss Luttman.

Kieran Brand, defending, said while married Daniell accepted
there was a gross breach of trust, he denied being attracted to the
victims or getting any sexual gratification from what happened.

"It was difficult for him, given his background of a strict
Christian upbringing, to deal with these issues," said Mr Brand.
"This took place 14 years ago. There has been no trouble
since."

A sexual offences order, he added, would restrict Daniell's
community and voluntary work.

Sentencing Daniell to a community order with 120 hours' unpaid
work, Judge Byers (pictured below) said parents of the boys had
entrusted them into his care, trust and protection.

"I have no doubt they didn't expect that their
children would be subjected to this type of humiliation and abuse,"
he added.

"Had you touched them I would have had absolutely no hesitation
in sending you to prison, and for quite a long time.

"I am able to avoid sending you to prison. In fact, I take the
view it is in the public interest that you should be placed on a
community punishment and rehabilitation order, because the Thames
Valley sex offender programme is a very good programme indeed.

"Those placed on such a course very rarely re-offend, whereas
those sent to prison quite often re-offend. I take into account
that since 1998 you have been convicted of no offences at all."

Daniell was also ordered to pay £1,200 costs.