West Winch ex-Scout leader due to appear at crown court on sex charges

A former teacher, Scout leader and church worker from West Winch is due to appear at crown court tomorrow (Friday) over historic sexual abuse of boys.

John Turner, 74, appeared at Lynn Magistrates’ Court today on two separate but similar charges.

He entered no pleas to two counts of indecent assault on boys under the age of 14. One offence is said to have taken place in Norfolk between May 29, 1979 and May 29, 1980; the other in King’s Lynn between January 14, 1987 and September 1, 1992.

Prosecutor Michael Devaney said the defendant was due to attend a hearing at Norwich Crown Court tomorrow and a trial date has been set for July 26.

He said those matters related to dates between 1977 and 1983 and involved three boys then aged between nine and 14.

Mr Devaney said: “They occurred during a trip to the Norfolk Broads, choir practice and a Scouts sleepover.”

The prosecutor said the latest two matters came to light following a police press release.

The bench declined jurisdiction and sent the case to the crown court to tie up with the other matters.

Turner, of Coronation Avenue, was released on unconditional bail.