Ex-scout master jailed for sex offences

Richard Biddick, 76, appeared at York Crown Court for sentencing today (Friday).

He had pleaded guilty at a previous hearing to two charges of indecent assault on the pre-teen boy between December 1979 and October 1980.

Biddick, of Baring Road, Croydon, Surrey, learnt of his fate via live video link from a custody suite in Hull Prison.

Detective Constable Kate Peet of Scarborough Serious Crime Team, said: “I am satisfied with the sentence handed out to Biddick, although nothing can erase the harm that he has caused.

“It was very difficult for the victim to come forward and he has waited a long time to see justice done.

“I hope it brings some form of comfort to him knowing that Biddick is now facing a long time in prison.”

Anyone who is affected by sexual abuse, whether it is happening now, or occurred many years ago, should not hesitate to come forward to the police or contact one of the many agencies who can help.

If you do not want to talk to the police, you can contact Bridge House, North Yorkshire’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) directly on 01904 669339 www.turntobridgehouse.org

To contact North Yorkshire Police please call 101.

If you have a speech or hearing impairment you can use Textphone 18001.

Call 101 for all non-emergencies.

In an emergency or if your safety is threatened, always call the police on 999.

Textphone 18000 - in an emergency

Other organisations who can help include:

North Yorkshire’s Confidential rape support line on 0300 111 0777 run by IDAS

Independent Domestic Abuse Services (York and North Yorkshire) 03000 110 110

Domestic Abuse Services (Scarborough and Ryedale) 01723 365609

National Rape Crisis Support Line Freephone 0808 802 9999