Barry James Warren

Barry James Warren, a 78-year-old former Scoutmaster from King’s Lynn, Norfolk, has been sentenced to 10 years and 6 months in prison for a series of sexual offences against young boys committed over two decades. The offences, which involved gross indecency and sexual assault, targeted boys under the age of 16 who were under his care and supervision as a Scout leader in West Norfolk.

The case came to light following Warren's initial guilty plea in August 2014 to two counts of gross indecency against two boys under the age of 13. These specific incidents occurred in the mid-1990s and involved abuse during activities organised by Warren in his Scoutmaster role. Sentencing for these charges was adjourned after an additional 12 victims came forward with allegations of similar abuse spanning from the mid-1970s to the mid-1990s. This led to further charges, to which Warren pleaded guilty on 7 September 2015 at Norwich Crown Court to seven counts of gross indecency and one count of sexual assault.

According to court proceedings reported by the Wisbech Standard, Warren exploited his position of trust to take the boys on trips, such as outings on the Norfolk Broads and weekend swimming sessions, where he perpetrated the abuses. Judge Bacon delivered the sentence on 12 October 2015 at Norwich Crown Court, emphasising the profound and lasting impact on the victims. Detective Constable Debbie Payne from Norfolk Constabulary’s Child Abuse Investigation Unit stated, “Warren clearly misused his position of trust to take his unassuming victims on trips on the Norfolk Broads and swimming at the weekends. He then used these trips as an opportunity to abuse them.” She commended the victims for their bravery in coming forward, noting that the sentence aimed to aid their recovery.

In addition to the custodial sentence, Warren was placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register for life. The case was investigated by Norfolk Constabulary, highlighting their commitment to pursuing historical abuse allegations with specialist support for victims. The offences underscore the vulnerability of children in trusted extracurricular roles and the long-term pursuit of justice for such crimes.