Naturist scout leader had 300 images of child porn
A SCOUT leader who kept a library of child porn on his work computer has walked free from court.
Naturist Eric Collins, 60, of Laughton Road, Northolt, was caught after ordering a seedy CD Rom from a nudist website containing images of pre-pubescent children.
Southwark Crown Court heard staff at a postal depot alerted police to the film after they intercepted the suspicious package.
When questioned, Collins, who had been a Scout for 40 years, denied any knowledge of the images, claiming he was a member of a club called Nudist World and received free CDs.
But following a search of his home and work addresses, police seized two computers containing more than 300 pornographic images - some depicting young children being raped by adults.
Handing him a nine-month suspended sentence last Wednesday, Judge Stephen Robbins told Collins: "You could have found yourself going immediately to prison and you could-n't have complained if I did send you.
"You have already brought disgrace upon yourself and your family by these matters, and that is also punishment."
Collins, who owns family business Collins' Coaches Ltd, would have daily contact with children using his coaches for school trips, the court heard.
Prosecutor Charles John-Jules said Collins would arrive early at his office in Waterside Trading Centre, Hanwell, or stay late, so he could access websites with pictures of naked boys.
Collins was arrested on September 7 after examinations of his computer uncovered 322 indecent images.
The court heard Collins is the sole carer for his disabled wife and elderly parents, his ill-health meant he would struggle behind bars, and it would lead to the loss of his business.
Collins pleaded guilty to eight counts of making indecent photographs of children and one count of possessing indecent photographs of children.
His nine-month sentence is suspended for two years. He was also ordered to do 250 hours unpaid work and to pay £300 costs.
Collins has been sacked from the scouts and was put on the sex offenders' register for ten years. He is banned from working or spending time alone with children under 16 and from using the Internet unless for work purposes.
