An 83-year-old former Scoutmaster has been imprisoned for three years for historic sexual abuse against boys between the age of nine and 13 in Aberdeen.
Jack Townsley, from Cumbernauld, had denied the claims against him of touching boys at Scottish campsites in the 1970s, however was found guilty of three counts of using lewd, indecent and libidinous behaviour towards the boys.
In court, Townsley stated that the charges against him were a "conspiracy", "collusion", and a "pack of lies".
A further incident was found not proven by the jury.
Sex Offenders Register
Townsley has been placed on the sex offenders register with all of his crimes occurring in the same area to the same cub-pack.
The Aberdeen Sheriff Court learned that throughout his time as a leader in the Scouts, which was more than four decades and his work in the Salvation Army, Townsley had been in charge of over 30,000 youngsters.
Throughout his time at the Scouts, Townsley earned a Silver Wolf Award for "services of the most exceptional character".
The court heard that he had also run a Sunday school and was described as being happily married to his wife of 63 years.
Historic Sexual Abuse
One of the victims stated that he awoke in the middle of the night to find Townsley touching him as he slept, and that he did not want to come forward until the Jimmy Savile case came to prominence.
The victim, who was between 11-13 years-old at the time, stated that he wanted to act before Townsley died and could not be held accountable for his actions.
Sheriff William Summers said: "Mr Townsley some weeks ago you were found guilty by a jury of historic sex abuse."The offences were appalling - more so as they involved a breach of trust.
"You breached the trust imposed on you by the Salvation Army, the Scouts and the trust of the parents of these boys.
"It is a matter of concern that you continue to deny these offences and show no remorse, your fall from grace is complete.
"The sheriff added: "The victims of this abuse have lived with it for 40 years."You must now live with the consequences of your actions.
"There is no alternative to me other than to impose a custodial sentence."
Investigating Historical Sexual Abuse
Police had been investigating incidents of historical sexual abuse which led to the discovery of an incident on a Cub trip in Aberdeenshire.
The Scottish government have announced that they will be carrying out a public inquiry into sexual abuse in Scotland, and will look into incidents of sexual abuse involving children in care, and of allegations against the Roman Catholic Church.
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