Matt Ellett

Matt Ellett, 32, a former scout leader from Taunton, Somerset, was found guilty by a jury of 19 sexual offences against multiple victims. The convictions, handed down at Taunton Crown Court on 5 August 2026, followed a trial in which the court heard Ellett befriended children through his voluntary work before abusing them.

The charges for which Ellett was found guilty include five counts of sexual activity with a child under 16, two counts of causing or inciting a child under 16 to engage in sexual activity, five counts of sexual assault of a child under 13, three counts of causing or inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity, two additional counts of causing or inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity, and three counts of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child under 13.

Following the verdict, Ellett was remanded into custody. He is scheduled to be sentenced at Taunton Crown Court on 5 October 2026.