A BOURNEMOUTH scout treasurer has appeared before magistrates charged with sexually assaulting a child.

Paul Cherrett is alleged to have indecently touched a male aged 14 or under earlier this year.

The 62-year-old entered no plea to the charge, said to have taken place at Butchers Coppice Scout Camp and activity, when he stood before Bournemouth Magistrates yesterday morning.

He is charged with intentionally touching a boy at the site at Holloway Avenue, which was not consented to.

Cherrett, of King Richard Drive in Bournemouth, was said to have been working as a district scout active support member and treasurer at the time of the alleged incident.

Prosecutor Lee Turner told magistrates the incident was said to have occurred within the camp’s tuck shop.

Mr Turner added that the alleged incident was reported to police by the scout group’s commissioner Mr Gilbert which led to an investigation by Dorset Police.

Officers subsequently issued an appeal for witnesses.

Defending Cherrett was Ian Daly.

The matter has now been referred to Bournemouth Crown Court for a preliminary hearing on August 4.

Cherrett was granted conditional bail until that time.

Chairman of the bench Mr Michael Codd told Cherrett there were four conditions associated with his bail that he must comply with.

Cherrett must have no contact, directly or indirectly, with the alleged victim, who cannot be identified for legal reasons; he is prohibited from being in the proximity of any person under the age of 16 unless he receives prior approval from either the subject’s parents, police officers or social workers; nor must he communicate with anyone under the age of 16 by any means.