A SCOUT leader with more than 40 years experience has admitted possessing and making 188,000 pornographic images of children.

Stanton Hughes, 63, also admitted further charges of possessing extreme pornographic images, and has been removed from his post as group leader for the 2nd Stanford-le-Hope Scout group.

The images of children ranged from the least serious to the most serious on the Copine Scale – which is used by the courts and police to measure the seriousness of pornographic images and films involving children.

Hughes, of Bellmaine Ave-nue, Corringham, admitted seven counts of making indecent photographs of children and three counts of possessing indecent images of children, when he appeared at Basildon Crown Court.

The charges, which involve about 188,000 images, relate to an incident which happened in August 2009.

Two further charges of possessing 2,600 extreme pornographic images were ordered to lie on file.

Following the hearing, a spokesman for the Scout Association said: “We are aware of the police investigations involving Mr Hughes.

“The association has been co-operating fully with the statutory agencies as their investigation progressed.

“Action to prevent Mr Hughes’ ongoing involvement with the movement was taken as soon as the allegations were reported to the police.”

In 2006, Hughes was awarded a special certificate and badge in recognition of 40 years service.

He was released on bail to reappear at the court in February for sentencing.