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Ex-BBC DJ Michael Souter guilty of sex attacks on boys Ex-BBC DJ Michael Souter guilty of sex attacks on boys
(35 minutes later)
A former BBC radio presenter described as a "dominant predator" has been found guilty of sexually abusing boys.A former BBC radio presenter described as a "dominant predator" has been found guilty of sexually abusing boys.
Ex-BBC Radio Norfolk and Radio Clyde broadcaster Michael Souter, 60, was convicted of 19 sexual assaults on seven boys aged between 11 and 16.Ex-BBC Radio Norfolk and Radio Clyde broadcaster Michael Souter, 60, was convicted of 19 sexual assaults on seven boys aged between 11 and 16.
Souter was a Venture Scouts leader, a volunteer mentor to young people and was even allowed to adopt a child.Souter was a Venture Scouts leader, a volunteer mentor to young people and was even allowed to adopt a child.
Judge Mark Lucraft warned him he faced "a long period of imprisonment" when he is sentenced on 31 October.Judge Mark Lucraft warned him he faced "a long period of imprisonment" when he is sentenced on 31 October.
Souter, of Loddon, Norfolk, stared straight ahead without emotion as the judge spoke.Souter, of Loddon, Norfolk, stared straight ahead without emotion as the judge spoke.
'Truly shocking' 'Celebrity status'
The jury at Norwich Crown Court also found him guilty of seven counts of making and possessing indecent images of under-18s, after a six-week trial.The jury at Norwich Crown Court also found him guilty of seven counts of making and possessing indecent images of under-18s, after a six-week trial.
He faced two more counts of possessing indecent images of a child, but was cleared of one and the jury failed to reach a unanimous verdict on the other.
The court heard Souter used his celebrity status to abuse his victims.The court heard Souter used his celebrity status to abuse his victims.
He carried out the attacks between 1979 and 1999.He carried out the attacks between 1979 and 1999.
The jury of nine men and three women took three hours to reach verdicts. The jury of nine men and three women took three hours to reach their verdicts.
Det Con Peter Sayer, who led the Norfolk Police investigation, said: "Souter used various opportunities to abuse children whilst being in a position of absolute trust." After the trial, detectives revealed they were investigating further allegations of abuse against Souter.
'Truly shocking'
Norfolk police confirmed a "live inquiry" was continuing into outstanding claims.
A total of 595 people have been identified as witnesses and it is understood a number have raised concerns about his behaviour.
Det Con Peter Sayer, who led the police investigation, said: "Souter used various opportunities to abuse children whilst being in a position of absolute trust."
Chris McCann, head of the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) complex casework unit for the East of England, said: "Michael Souter presented himself to people as a local celebrity from radio and television, happy to be involved in charity events, the Scout movement and as a youth mentor for Norfolk social services.Chris McCann, head of the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) complex casework unit for the East of England, said: "Michael Souter presented himself to people as a local celebrity from radio and television, happy to be involved in charity events, the Scout movement and as a youth mentor for Norfolk social services.
"All this was a smokescreen to hide his true intention: to become close to young boys so he could sexually abuse them, confident that his celebrity status would mean they would not be believed.""All this was a smokescreen to hide his true intention: to become close to young boys so he could sexually abuse them, confident that his celebrity status would mean they would not be believed."
A BBC spokesperson said: "The crimes that Michael Souter has been found guilty of today are truly shocking and the BBC condemns them in the strongest possible terms. A BBC spokesman said: "The crimes that Michael Souter has been found guilty are truly shocking and the BBC condemns them in the strongest possible terms.
"Michael Souter has not worked for the BBC since the early 1990s.""Michael Souter has not worked for the BBC since the early 1990s."