A FORMER scout leader has been convicted of a string of child sex offences in Kidlington.

Gary Lane, 52, of Fairfax Road, appeared at Oxford Crown Court on Friday, January 27 in connection with four child sex abuse offences.

He pleaded guilty to two counts of rape of a child under 13, one count of sexual assault on a child under 13 and one count of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.

Lane committed  the offences against two boys between January 1 2015 and November 30 2015.

He was charged at Banbury Police Station on 27 July 2016.

Twice that year he failed to turn up to court, at one point fleeing to Scotland. 

Specialist Investigator Rhys Bevan from the Child Abuse Investigation Unit said: “On behalf of Thames Valley Police and the unit, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the victims for being so courageous in coming forward.

“What Lane has put the victims and their families and loved-ones through is horrendous. The courage the victims have shown means no one else has to suffer at the hands of Lane.

“I am very pleased with the outcome. Finally Lane is where he belongs. Hopefully the victims can now try to move forward with their lives.

“Lane failed to turn up for court twice in 2016, fleeing once to Scotland which caused unnecessary stress for all involved. Police Scotland was incredibly helpful and with their assistance.”

Lane has been remanded in custody and will be sentenced at Oxford Crown Court on Friday 10 February.