A former Romford boy scout has informed the Scout Association that he plans to sue over his sexual abuse by paedophile scout leader Michael Costin.

Costin, 59, was jailed for 15 years last week for 23 historic child sex offences, including assaults on four boys while he was a scout leader at St Augustine’s Church, Rush Green, in the 1980s.

He then moved to Suffolk, where he worked as a schoolteacher and again volunteered as a scout leader, abusing more children.

Solicitor Kate Hall, from Simpson Millar, is preparing to sue on behalf of one Romford victim and called for others to come forward.

“Costin was able to abuse his position of trust as a scout leader and teacher to abuse vulnerable children for many years,” she said, adding that his crimes had “an immeasurable impact” on his victims.

“Sadly, whilst nothing will ever make up for what Costin has done, we are currently supporting one client to bring a claim against the Scouts, with a view to securing compensation that will give them some financial security and provide them with the funds needed to access the ongoing care and therapy that they need to help them come to terms with their ordeal.

“We would urge anyone else who has been affected to also reach out for help and support.”

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The Scouts would not comment on the planned lawsuit, but issued this statement: “The Scout Association is aware of the case involving Michael Costin and we have cooperated fully with the statutory authorities throughout the investigation.

“The safety of young people in our care is our number one priority and we condemn the crimes committed by Costin.

“Any abuse of young people is abhorrent and we are deeply sorry for anybody hurt by the actions of abusers.

“There is no place in scouting for anyone who behaves in this way. He betrayed the trust of the organisation and the trust put in him by young people and parents.

“Costin has not been a member of the scouts for almost 30 years and will never be able to volunteer with us again.”

It added that everyone at Scouts “works to a strict code of practice” and the organisation carries out “stringent vetting”.

*Kate Hall can be contacted on 0345 357 9243 or kate.hall@simpsonmillar.co.uk.