Ex-Scout leader preyed on boys

A former Christchurch Scout leader who preyed on vulnerable young boys has been convicted on eight sexual indecency charges.

John Henry Cootes, 60, who lives in Blenheim, pleaded guilty in Blenheim District Court to sodomy, indecent acts and inducing a young boy to do an indecent act on him.

The incidents, involving four boys aged 12 to 15, happened between 1970 and 1983.

Prosecutor Sergeant Steve Frost said Cootes was a Scout leader in Christchurch while some of the offending took place.

The court had heard Cootes assaulted a 14-year-old as the pair slept in a tent on a Scout camp.

The second victim was aged 12 when he met Cootes through Scouts.

"The accused became a close family friend and began babysitting," said Mr Frost. Cootes would indecently assault the boy when he babysat.

The assaults progressed to sodomy and the boy was also assaulted on a camp when the pair shared a tent.

Cootes met his third victim when he was working at the reception of Christchurch YMCA.

The 14-year-old North Islander was told by Cootes that the YMCA was full, but offered his home as an alternative.

"He learnt the boy was from a troubled home and kept in touch with him," Mr Frost told the court.

When the boy's home situation deteriorated, Cootes offered to have him live with him and act as guardian.

After a short period, Cootes started sexually abusing him.

He told the boy that he was obviously gay and what they were doing "was all right".

Cootes took the boy to parks where gay people congregated and encouraged him to have sex with other men.

Once he turned 16, the boy left Cootes' house and told him he would have no more sex with him.

The final victim was 15 and a friend of the boy who lived with Cootes.

Judge Paul Whitehead remanded Cootes in custody for sentencing on April 28, calling for emotional harm reports.

- NZPA