Scout volunteer raped schoolgirl

A scouting volunteer who raped a 13-year-old girl and sexually assaulted a second teenager has been jailed.

Burnley Crown Court heard that Michael Drinkwater, 36, of Exchange Street, Accrington, Lancashire, did not believe he had done anything wrong.

The offences took place at the Bowley scout camp, Great Harwood, while he was a member of the Scouting Fellowship.

Judge Andrew Woolman said Drinkwater's lack of remorse meant an indeterminate sentence, with a minimum of five years.

Drinkwater previously pleaded guilty to one count of sexual assault against a 13-year-old girl.

Apart from blaming the victims for being sexually precocious, you are asserting that you have not done anything wrong Judge Andrew Woolman Burnley Crown Court

He also admitted three counts of rape and one of sexual assault against the other 13-year-old, all of which were committed away from the camp site.

The Scouting Association banned Drinkwater from any contact with the movement when the allegations first surfaced. He was not a scout leader.

The organisation later condemned him for "abusing the trust placed in him" by parents, other volunteers and the association.

Miss Alexandra Simmonds, prosecuting, said all the offences took place between March 2005 and the end of 2006.

The sexual assault took place at the camp as both the 13-year-olds slept in a dormitory.

Drinkwater worked at the camp as a volunteer, but not specifically with children, she said.

'Alarming reading'

Miss Simmonds said: "Alcopops were on offer and the girls were dared to kiss and striptease.

"The defendant also brought a bag of sex toys to the camp."

Mr Paul Humphries, defending, said his client attributed some of the initiation of the sexual acts to the girls and saw that he had done nothing wrong.

Judge Woolman told Drinkwater: "The pre-sentence report makes alarming reading.

"The conclusion is that apart from blaming the victims for being sexually precocious, you are asserting that you have not done anything wrong.

"So long as you have that attitude there is a risk of you committing the offences again and of causing serious psychological harm to others."

Drinkwater was disqualified from working with children for life and ordered not to live in any house with girls aged under 16.