A FORMER Hampshire Scout volunteer who molested a boy has been spared being sent to jail.

Timothy Waterman, 32, was handed a 16-month prison sentence suspended for two years and an extensive supervision order for sexually assaulting a child and possession of child abuse images.

Judge Richard Parkes QC at Winchester Crown Court said the offences were “a breach of trust” but he was willing to give him “a chance to start again”.

Waterman, who volunteered with King’s Somborne Scout group, admitted two counts of sexually assaulting a child under 13 between January 1, 2010 and January 1, 2013.

He also admitted 21 charges of making indecent photos of a child between January 1, 2011 and May 25, 2013.

The court heard the photos related to videos ranging from just a few seconds to 48 minutes in length.

The offences had no involvement with his role in the Scouts.

Waterman was ordered to sign the sex offenders register for ten years.

In addition he was handed a Sex Offenders Prevention Order (SOPO) to last ten years and ordered to attend up to 84 sessions.

He was also sentenced to 200 hours community service and ordered to pay £250 in court costs and a £100 victim surcharge.

He also cannot engage with a child, unless unavoidable or with permission from the parent.

Mitigating, Karen Dempsey claimed Waterman, of Humbers View, Kings Somborne, displayed “sexual inexperience and a lack of maturity”.

She added: “He says he feels disgusted with himself. He’s really struggled with being in this position.

[He’s] motivated to understand why he committed these offences to prevent a relapse. He’s a man who can be worked with.”

Referring to the child abuse images, Judge Parkes said: “The children who feature in these videos will have been traumatised for the rest of their days.

“You’re a man of good character: I accept that. My concern in this case is to protect the public, to protect children and to help you that you never offend in his way again because that’s the best way to protect children.”

After the case a statement from the Scouts said: “The Scout Association condemns the actions of Waterman.

“He was suspended from any form of contact with the movement as soon as we were informed by police.

“We can confirm that his appointment has now been formally cancelled by The Scout Association.

“He will never again be allowed to work within the Scout Movement.

“The Scout Association has cooperated fully with the statutory agencies. The Scout Association carries out stringent vetting of all adults who work with young people and requires them to work to a strict code of practice outlined in the ‘Young People First’ Code of Practice.”