Scout master in child porn shame

7:10am Tuesday 8th July 2008

A SCOUT master in Worcester has admitted being in possession of more than 350 indecent photographs of children.

Graham McKeown was an assistant leader for 6th Worcester (Kempsey) Scout group for 26 years until autumn last year and also worked as a youth volunteer at the St Peter’s Baptist Church. He appeared before Worcester Crown Court yesterday and admitted making indecent photographs, a CD disk and a colour video of a child. The 44-year-old, of St George’s Walk, off Barbourne Road, admitted a total of 13 offences between June 2005 and February this year.

McKeown had been a youth leader in the city since 1981, working as a Venture Scout leader in Claines until moving to 6th Worcester Scout group.

Andy Shepherd, safeguarding adviser for the Scout Association, said it had suspended McKeown last September as soon as they were informed of the allegations.

“Sadly, as in this case, when an adult betrays the trust that has been put in him or her, it is a matter of grave concern for us all,” he said.

“Many young people have benefited from the excellent activities provided by the 6th Worcester and will continue to do so.”

He said the association carries out stringent vetting and criminal record checks of all adults who work with young people.

Martin Hodson, minister of St Peter’s Baptist Church in Worcester, said McKeown was suspended as a youth worker there as soon as the police investigations came to light.

Mr Hodson, who stressed the offences did not relate to McKeown’s work with young people at the church, said: “The church has worked closely with the police and children’s services in this matter.

“St Peter’s Baptist Church Worcester operates a robust child protection policy. Under the terms of this, the church had obtained a satisfactory Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) disclosure when Mr McKeown began to serve as a volunteer youth worker with us.”

McKeown joined the Scouting Association as a Cub, before becoming a Scout, Venture Scout, Scout leader and then a chief of his own group, the Vigornia Venture unit, based in Claines.

He was released on bail for the preparation of a pre-sentence report which will be heard during the week beginning August 4.

McKeown was ordered to have no contact with children under the age of 18 and to sign on the sex offenders’ register.

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