Scout leader facing rape charges

A SCOUT leader is facing a catalogue of sexual offences against children after his case was heard by Ipswich Magistrates Court on Wednesday.

The man was charged with 21 counts of indecent treatment of children and attempted indecent treatment of children in November last year.

But during the case’s first hearing in Ipswich yesterday, it was revealed that the suspect has now been charged with a further nine offences, including six charges of rape.

The Queensland Times cannot reveal the man’s identity or the location of his former scout group for legal reasons.

It is believed the case came to light after a teenage girl was allegedly assaulted at a scout meeting in October 2008.

Defence lawyer Vincent Knox said the new charges were allegedly committed against the same complainants as the original batch of charges.

The total number of alleged victims has not yet been revealed.

The case was adjourned for a hearing at Ipswich Magistrates Court on April 21.

The suspect was transferred from prison to the courthouse yesterday, but he was not required to appear before Magistrate Virginia Sturgess during the brief hearing.

No application for bail was made and the man remains in custody.

Mr Knox asked for the man’s appearance to be excused on April 21.