Matt Ellett, aged 32, of Taunton, Somerset, was unanimously convicted of 19 child sexual exploitation and abuse offences at Taunton Crown Court, sitting at North Somerset Courthouse, on Wednesday, 5 August 2026.
The court heard that Ellett utilized his voluntary role as a scout leader to establish positions of trust and befriend five young children. Over a sustained period, Ellett exploited this access to subject the children to severe sexual abuse and inappropriate conduct.
Avon and Somerset Police initiated a comprehensive investigation following reports made to the force’s specialized child protection officers. Detectives assembled an extensive prosecution file documenting the multi-victim exploitation and brought 19 formal charges against him.
Following a crown court trial, a jury returned unanimous guilty verdicts on all 19 counts on the indictment. The convictions comprise:
Five counts of sexual activity with a child under 16
- Two counts of causing or inciting a child under 16 to engage in sexual activity
- Five counts of sexual assault of a child under 13
- Five counts of causing or inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity
- Three counts of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child under 13
- One count of assault of a child under 13 by penetration
Following the unanimous verdicts on 5 August 2026, the presiding judge remanded Ellett into custody. He will return to the same court for formal sentencing on 5 October 2026.
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