Graham Avison, a former scout leader from Audenshaw, has been sentenced to five years and seven months in prison after pleading guilty to four counts of indecent assault against a child. The sentencing took place at Minshull Street Crown Court.
In addition to the prison term, Avison was issued a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and is required to sign the sex offenders’ register for life. The abuse took place over a four-year period between 1991 and 1995.
Avison first met his victim when the boy was just 12 years old. The abuse began when the victim was 14. During this time, Avison groomed the boy with small gifts such as chocolate bars before escalating to more expensive presents, including a car.
Avison owned a Catamaran moored in Wales and frequently took the boy and others on boat trips and to boat shows across the country. The abuse mainly occurred during overnight stays on the boat, in hotels, and at Avison’s home. This represented a serious breach of trust by someone in a position expected to protect children.
Detective Sergeant Wayne Marshall from Greater Manchester Police’s Tameside division praised the victim’s bravery. He said, “I would first and foremost like to thank the victim for coming forward. Their bravery throughout the entire investigation has resulted in a dangerous paedophile facing justice. Avison is a predator who abused his position of trust, leaving psychological scars that will last a lifetime.”
Detective Sergeant Marshall added, “The exploitation of children is a top priority for GMP. We take reports of this nature very seriously and encourage anyone affected to come forward.”
Originally published by UKNIP.
