Anthony Bath

A Sussex scout leader, Anthony Bath, has been jailed for three years following his conviction on charges related to child sexual offences. The case, which unfolded through a police sting operation, highlighted Bath's disturbing online behaviour and his position of trust within the community.

On 9 January 2024, Bath, aged 34 and residing on Victoria Road in Portslade, began communicating via a private chat room website with an undercover police officer who posed as 'Jason'. Unaware of the officer's true identity, Bath openly revealed his sexual interest in children, describing a 'thing for young girls'. He discussed his role as a leader in a scouts group, where he interacted with children aged six to 14, commenting that 'some are good to look at', as heard in Lewes Crown Court.

The conversation escalated as the officer fabricated a scenario involving the sexual abuse of his fictitious ten-year-old step-daughter. Bath responded enthusiastically, calling it 'amazing' and 'so hot', and expressed a desire to watch the abuse. He sent a picture of himself in his underwear, intended for the supposed child, and agreed to meet for 'some fun', stating he 'wouldn’t be able to take [his] hands off her'. Bath also shared a category A indecent image of a young girl—the most severe classification—as well as photos of three young girls in bikinis and an indecent image of a naked child.

• Bath was arrested on 29 January 2024 after police seized his devices.
• Indecent images from categories A to C were discovered on the devices.
• He was charged with arranging or facilitating a child sex offence, two counts of distributing indecent images of children, and three counts of making indecent images of children.

Bath initially denied involvement, claiming his account had been hacked. However, he pleaded guilty to all offences on 15 December 2025. In his defence, Jay Shah argued there was 'not a significant degree of planning' and that much of the suggestive detail originated from the officer. Shah noted that Bath recognised his problem and wished to address it. Judge Hardy rejected this, stating Bath was 'very active' in the exchanges, which 'spoke for themselves' and reflected a worsening 'thread' rather than a one-off incident. The judge emphasised Bath's community responsibilities as a scout leader and the significant age disparity with the fictitious victim.

Sentencing occurred on 16 February 2026 at Lewes Crown Court, sitting at Brighton Magistrates' Court, where Bath received a three-year custodial sentence. A sexual harm prevention order was also imposed. The Scout Association confirmed Bath's immediate suspension in January 2024 following police concerns, with his membership cancelled shortly after. They stressed their stringent vetting processes and commitment to youth safety under the 'Young People First' Code of Practice.

This case was reported by The Argus, based on court proceedings and statements from involved parties.