A SCOUT master who assaulted an 11-year-old boy in his care, leaving him with a bloodied nose and injured arm, has been convicted.

Jon Mark Ingram, aged 52, of Bristol Road, Hardwicke, was in charge when the incident took place during a scout meeting in the Five Valleys on May 20 this year.

The assault left the scout with a bleeding nose and ligament damage to his arm and an investigation was launched by the county’s specialist Child Abuse Investigation Team (CAIT).

Ingram originally pleaded not guilty to a charge of common assault by beating but changed his plea to guilty after hearing the victim’s evidence at Gloucester Magistrates’ Court.

Speaking after the conviction yesterday, Thursday, DC Ian Lord of CAIT said the Scout Association had been supportive throughout the investigation and had carefully followed their child protection procedures.

"Ingram’s behaviour towards this 11-year-old child in his care was incredible," he said.

"He was trusted to look after the scouts but chose instead to assault one of them during the meeting.

"I would like to add that this is a rare case and the response of other leaders present during this assault was both appropriate and protective."

Ingram was ordered to pay a £500 fine, £250 in compensation, £800 in court costs and a £15 victim surcharge.