A FORMER scoutmaster who abused numerous young boys over three decades has pleaded guilty to 17 charges of indecent assault.

Michael Harry Watling, aged 62, of Crookston Road, Eltham, abused scouts, usually aged between 14 and 15, while on camping trips and visits to gang shows across the UK.

The former PR man for the UK Atomic Energy Authority, answered to 37 charges relating to 11 youngsters and pleaded not guilty to 20 to lie on file at Woolwich Crown Court last Friday.

Watling's reign of abuse came to light in May last year when a victim alleged he had been indecently assaulted between 1979 and 1981.

An investigation was launched by the Child Protection Team at Erith headed by Detective Constable Helen Thomas and Detective Sergeant Audrey McArdle.

The team initially charged him last October with eight offences against two former scouts.

But as news of the arrest spread, more victims came forward. Watling was rearrested in December and charged with a further 40 offences against eight former scouts.

After the hearing, one of his victims, who is now in his 30s, told News Shopper: "I tried to put myself in a position where he could not get at me but it was not always possible. I was scared, nervous. I didn't know what he was going to do to me. At 13 I didn't know what the hell was going on. He had charisma and charm. He wowed kids with the bright lights of opportunities to go on trips or get involved with certain activities.

"He absolutely abused his trust. He was the great Mike Watling. He couldn't put a foot wrong."

The Scout Association has launched an internal inquiry into the case, which it describes as "damaging" to the movement, and will use it as part of its review of child protection management issues.

Watling resigned from his position in the association last year. Scout Association spokesman John Fogg described his behaviour as the "evil actions of an evil person".

DS McArdle said: "I am glad

the victims have been spared having to give evidence in court and hope the judge gives a sentence which reflects the seriousness of what he has done a big betrayal of trust in his position as a scoutmaster."

The Probation Service is preparing a pre-sentence report. Watling was remanded in custody at Belmarsh prison and is due to be sentenced on June 6.

April 29, 2003 09:30