Sex pest scout master guilty

A FORMER scout master has been found guilty of sexually abusing young boys from Waltham Forest.

Derek Tungatt, 58, was convicted at Snaresbrook Crown Court of seven counts of indecent assault on young boys between January 1988 and July 2001.

During that time Tungatt, an engineer, worked as a rock climbing instructor and was in charge of scouts from Waltham Forest, Redbridge and Havering.

The court heard how Tungatt would touch the boys' genital areas while fastening their safety harnesses.

One former scout, now aged 23, told the court of his ordeal: "We went to his house and I went into the living room and sat on the sofa. He went to get some books.

"He sat down next to me and began talking me through the books. At this stage I felt comfortable with him."

The boy then told the court that it was while he was reading the books that Tungatt begun to undress him.

"He pulled down my tracksuit bottoms as I was reading the books. I froze and didn't look at him but he was staring at me right in the eyes.

"He kept asking if I was OK. I was so scared that I said yes, but it got to a point when I shouted at him 'what are you doing?' and jumped off the sofa. He jumped straight back and took his hands away with no hesitation."

He added that he had never had any contact with Tungatt since that incident.

Earlier in the hearing, another former scout, who is now aged 16, claimed Tungatt repeatedly touched his genitals while his scout troop were on an expedition.

DS Keith Oddy, who led the investigation, said after the trial: "We are pleased at the verdict, which shows that those who abuse a position of trust cannot get away with these appalling crimes.

"We worked closely with the Scout Association throughout the investigation and are grateful for its assistance in convicting a man who posed a serious threat to children."

Tungatt, of Cheriton Avenue, Ilford, was remanded in custody to be sentenced at a later date.

09:46 Thursday 1st August 2002

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