Today, at Preston Crown Court, Former leader of a scout troop, Martin Prater, has been jailed for 18 months, ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register for 10 years, been barred from working with children or vulnerable adults and was given a sexual harm prevention order and a restraining order over a string of sexual offences involving a 14 old girl.
It was said in Court how in March and April 2016, Prater had touched the school girl inappropriately and she had also been forced to touch him. The young girl had been groomed over a period of time by text messages and as his grooming behaviour continued, Prater groped the girl’s bottom and kissed her in the middle of a pitch black field.
In May 2016, the girl realised that the way she was being treated by Prater was wrong and confided in her Mother.
Prater pleaded guilty to causing a child to engage in sexual activity and for counts of sexually assaulting the 14 year old girl.
It is evident that Prater abused his position as a Scout Leader to groom the vulnerable 14 year old for his own sexual gratification.
Often in cases of this nature, victims are able to bring claims against the offenders personally, but unfortunately they often lack the assets to make this worthwhile.
As a result of the abuse, his victim may be entitled to Criminal Injuries Compensation Application (CICA) Award in which is a government funded body for the victims of blameless crimes.
Not only may she be entitled to CICA Award, but if the victim was a member of the Scout Group, she may be able to present a claim against the Scout Association as a result of the abuse suffered. Here at Farleys Solicitors we have in other cases, been instructed to present Claims against the Scout Association as a result of abuse suffered, which has unfortunately had a profound impact on their lives.
Unfortunately, victims of sexual abuse will suffer significant psychological harm due to the actions of their abusers, and for these victims we realise there is unfortunately no getting away from what has happened to them however pursing a claim often help our clients to bring closure to their ordeal following the sentence to provide the resources to fund medical treatment and therapy they may require.
If you or someone you know has been the victim of abuse, we appreciate that it is often difficult to talk about what has happened, however our team is experienced and dedicated to speak with you in the strictest of confidence or alternatively you can email me on paul.corrigan@farleys.com.
