Suffolk scout leader Michael Costin guilty of sexual abuse

Michael Costin, 59 and of no fixed address, was found guilty of seven counts of indecent assault on a child at Snaresbrook Crown Court in London. 

He stood trial after denying eight charges of abuse in the early 1990s.

The offences took place in the early 1990s (Image: Metropolitan police)

After moving to Suffolk, he became a geography teacher at Felixstowe's Orwell High School and also joined First Kirton Sea Scouts. 

Detectives established he abused nine victims in Suffolk between 1989 and 1994.

Costin also abused three victims between 1982 and 1986 in Romford.

Victims came forward between 2017 and 2023 and told police of the sexual abuse they faced while Costin abused his position as a scout leader.

Some described how they were sexually assaulted while they slept at camps, received "love letters" and were forced to perform sexual acts.

He pleaded guilty in June last year to 14 counts of indecent assault on a child in relation to crimes in the Romford area.

At the time he was already in prison for other sexual offences committed in the Oxford area between 2007 and 2010.

Detective Chief Inspector Tariq Farooqi, of the Met Police, said: "I firstly want to acknowledge the bravery of the victims, whose courage has been unwavering. What they had to go through as children is deeply upsetting and I hope the verdict helps in some way in providing closure to both the victims and families.

"Costin is a predator who attempted to deny many of the allegations against him – which officers spent countless hours working to disprove through the vital interviews and evidence gathering.

"I hope this result demonstrates we’ll do all that we can to protect vulnerable children and tackle sexual violence. Our message to victims is clear – please come forward and you’ll be listened to and supported, no matter how long ago a crime occurred.”