A SCOUT group leader sexually assaulted a young boy after luring him away from his home to choose a new jumper, a court heard.

The prosecution in the trial of Christopher Blakeborough say this was a “ruse” so he could be alone with the complainant who was allegedly assaulted in a church hall cupboard.

The 27-year-old is also accused of attacking another young boy by spanking him on his bottom in what was part of a bizarre initiation ceremony.

Mr Blakeborough, of Abbey Road, Darlington, has pleaded not guilty to two counts of sexual assault against children aged under 13.

Harry Hadfield, prosecuting, told Teesside Crown Court that the boy’s mother trusted Mr Blakeborough and thought he was doing her son a favour when he arranged to call at his home to pick him up to choose a jumper.

He said the defendant placed a tape measure against the boy’s bare skin and just above his crotch and also told him to pull his trousers and pants down.

Mr Hadfield said: “The mother noticed a difference in his mood later, he seemed troubled and what is more there was no sign of the new jumper.”

The prosecutor described another incident in which Mr Blakeborough arranged to give the same boy a lift home after a cub scout session.

However he was driven away from the direction of his home and down country lanes. He said the defendant then took a mobile phone call from the complainant’s mother at which point Mr Blakeborough turned the car around and drove back, dropping him off without saying a word.

Mr Hadfield said the boy, who confided in a friend, had been scared to tell anyone what happened because he feared the defendant would shout at him and “go absolutely off it”.

Mr Blakeborough told another young cub scout he had to choose between being spanked on the bottom or being given a “wedgie” shortly after his arrival at a summer camp.

The boy chose to be hit, fearing it would hurt less, with the “initiation” being carried out in front of other scouts.

Mr Hadfield said: “[He] was disgusted by this behaviour and felt embarrassed.”

The court was told that the boy’s mother later confronted Mr Blakeborough who apologised and asked for a second chance.

He was eventually arrested by police and denied the allegations. The trial continues.