A FOREST man who claims he was abused by a scoutmaster more than 50 years ago is hoping other victims will come forward.

Alan Baker, of Lydney says he was abused over a period of more than two years by scoutmaster Reginald Sanzen-Baker in the Forest in the early 1960s.

Mr Sanzen-Baker, a former Deputy Surveyor of the Forest who was awarded scouting’s highest honour, the Silver Wolf for his services to the movement, was never charged with any offences.

In an obituary published in 1991 it was stated: “Rarely in Britain can it be the case that a senior Forestry officer was so well known and respected by the local population.”

But Alan Baker said the scoutmaster abused him at locations in the Forest and at summer camps.

He told the Review: “I was aged 15 when it started and there were others and I hope people will come forward.”

Mr Baker said abuse took place at the Biblins near Symonds Yat and summer camps were also “a big issue”.

He said: “There were about eight of us senior scouts. He’d bought a gypsy caravan and we did up this caravan which was taken to the Biblins and used dreadfully.”

Mr Baker said the alleged abuse started in 1963 and although it stopped two and a half years later he continued to be “pestered” around Whitecroft.

He said the strain of what had happened to him later led to the ending of his marriage and three breakdowns.

Mr Baker went to the police in 2003 but no action was taken although his solicitor, Mr Glyn Maddocks, says a detective who investigated the claims had said the disclosures were “detailed and compelling.”

His account would have warranted interviewing Mr Sanzen-Baker had he been alive, the former police officer said.

Mr Maddocks said: “One person has come forward to help Mr Baker but we are hoping others who suffered abuse will also come forward.”

Mr Baker says he also suffered abuse at the hands of a former Forest clergyman who invited him to Sussex where he abused the then teen-ager.

The Church of England admitted liability after the clergyman, Rev Norman Smith, was unmasked as a paedophile by a Royal Commission in Australia.

Mr Maddocks added: “Mr Baker’s credibility was significantly enhanced by what emerged in Australia.”

He said although Mr Sanzen-Baker was never charged, he had been arrested in connection with abuse.

He said any information would be treated in confidence and anyone coming forward would have anonymity and would not be required to appear in court.

Mr Maddocks can be contacted at Gabb and Co, Old Bank House, Beaufort Street, Crickhowell, NP8 1AD. Telephone 01873 810629 or e-mail glyn.maddocks

@gabb.co.uk.