A Scout volunteer who molested a boy has been spared being sent to jail despite a breach of trust.

Timothy Waterman, 32, was handed a 16-month prison sentence suspended for two years and an extensive supervision order for sexually assaulting a child and possession of child porn.

Judge Richard Parkes QC, at Winchester Crown Court, said his offences were “a breach of trust” but he was willing to give him “a chance to start again”.

The judge added: “I don’t know how [the victim] is now and I hope he hasn't been damaged in some way. It’s very fortunate that you didn’t go further than you did.”

Waterman, who volunteered with King’s Somborne scout group, admitted two counts of sexually assaulting a child under 13 between January 1, 2010, and January 1, 2013.

He also admitted 21 charges of making indecent photos of a child between January 1, 2011, and May 25, 2013.

The court on Monday heard the photos related to videos ranging from just a few seconds to 48 minutes in length.

Waterman was ordered to sign the sex offenders register for 10 years. In addition he was handed a Sex Offenders Prevention Order (SOPO) to last 10 years and ordered to attend up to 84 sessions. He was also sentenced to 200 hours’ community service and ordered to pay £250 in court costs and a £100 victim surcharge.

He also cannot engage with a child, unless unavoidable or with permission from the parent.

Mitigating, Karen Dempsey claimed Waterman displayed “sexual inexperience and a lack of maturity. He says he feels disgusted with himself. He’s really struggled with being in this position. [He’s] motivated to understand why he committed these offences to prevent a relapse. He’s a man who can be worked with.”

Waterman, of Humbers View, King’s Somborne, sat forward in the dock, pale with anticipation during sentencing.

Referring to the pornography, Judge Parkes said: “As far as the images are concerned it’s the demand from people like you that creates a market . . . and one sees just how appalling these images are, of the damage which must have been done for these images to be made at all.

“The children who feature in these videos will have been traumatised for the rest of their days. You’re a man of good character, I accept that. My concern in this case is to protect the public, to protect children and to help you that you never offend in his way again because that’s the best way to protect children.”

In a statement from its head office, the Scouts said: “The Scout Association is aware of court proceedings involving Timothy Waterman. The Scout Association condemns the actions of Waterman.

“He was suspended from any form of contact with the Movement as soon as we were informed by police. We can confirm that his appointment has now been formally cancelled by The Scout Association. He will never again be allowed to work within the Scout Movement.

“The Scout Association has co-operated fully with the statutory agencies. The Scout Association carries out stringent vetting of all adults who work with young people and requires them to work to a strict code of practice outlined in the ‘Young People First’ Code of Practice.”