Former scout leader accused of sexual assault and filming at Horsham scouting camps

A West Sussex man has appeared in court to face charges involving the filming of young children and a sexual assault. Oliver Cooper, 25, a student of Norfren Avenue, Bognor, and former scout leader, appeared at Crawley Magistrates' Court yesterday (Wednesday, 29) to answer 22 charges of voyeurism and one charge of sexual assault. All of the offences are alleged to have taken place at scouting camps in Horsham during 2018. Cooper has been sent to trial with his first appearance at Lewes Crown Court on February 12, until then he has been released on court bail. The voyeurism charges relate to alleged covert indecent filming of children between ages of six and eight, and the alleged sexual assault relates to a young girl. According to Sussex Police, The Scouts Association and West Sussex Children's Services were immediately informed of the allegations and worked closely with authorities to ensure all necessary safeguarding precautions were taken. Officers said all parents involved were informed and there is no current safeguarding risk to any child.

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