Former BBC radio Norfolk presenter 'used his celebrity status to abuse young boys

Souter of Loddon, Norfolk, had also been involved
in the scout movement, the prosecution say

A former BBC radio presenter had a 'deviant sexual obsession' with young boys and used his celebrity to abuse society's most vulnerable, a court has heard.

Ex-BBC Norfolk broadcaster Michael Souter, 60, denies 19 sex offences, including indecent assault, indecency with a child and serious sexual offences, against seven boys aged between 11 and 16.

The allegations date to between 1979 and 1999.

Opening the case at Norwich Crown Court, prosecutor Andrew Shaw said Souter, of Loddon, Norfolk, had also been involved in the scout movement and volunteered as youth mentor for the county’s social services department.

Mr Shaw added: 'He worked in radio and television and was something of a local celebrity.

'The significance of his work and his involvement with the scouts and social services, is that these three roles brought Mr Souter into regular contact with pliable young boys and very often pliable young boys who were among society’s most vulnerable.

'We say Mr Souter is a deviant sexual abuser of young boys, particularly boys in uniform and those wearing shorts.'  (more...)

Former BBC radio Norfolk presenter 'used his celebrity status to abuse young boys