BBC host ‘groomed boys in shorts for sex ordeals’

11/09/2013

Former BBC radio presenter Michael Souter arriving at Norwich

A FORMER BBC radio host groomed boys for sex abuse with theme park trips and a chance to meet stars such as Noel Edmonds, a court heard yesterday.

Michael Souter, 60, treated the schoolboys to meals at burger restaurants and visits to Norwich City FC, the jury was told.

The BBC Norfolk broadcaster used his local celebrity status, his involvement in the Scout movement and links to social services to target victims, it was alleged.

The “sexual deviant” was attracted to young boys in uniforms and shorts and regularly molested seven boys, aged 11 to 16, in a 20-year period from 1979, Norwich Crown Court was told.

One boy became so desperate to stop the abuse, he planned to lace Souter’s tea with bromide to curb his sex drive, it was alleged.

Andrew Shaw, prosecuting, said: “The significance of his work and his involvement with Scouts and social services brought Mr Souter into 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.

“As we’ve seen in recent high-profile cases, victims often tell what has happened to them only when they are ready to.”