A former Scout volunteer who sent explicit messages to a ’13-year-old girl’ has been banned from the organisation.

Adrian Clarke, 64, had been messaging what he thought was a young girl between March and April this year.

He arranged to meet her at Eastleigh railway station but was instead met by officers from the South East Regional Organised Crime Unit (SEROCU) who arrested him at the scene.

Clarke has been suspended from all contact with the Scouts, the organisation confirmed.

A spokesperson for the organisation said: “The safety of young people in our care is our number one priority.

“The Scouts are aware of the case involving Adrian Clarke and we have cooperated fully with the statutory authorities throughout their investigation.

“As soon as we were made aware of the Police investigation Clarke was suspended from all contact with the Scouts.

“The statutory authorities have confirmed that Clarke’s crimes were not linked to his volunteer work with Scouting.

“Clarke has been permanently excluded from membership of the Scouts and he will never again be able to volunteer with us again.

“Everyone at Scouts works to a strict code of practice to put young people first."

As reported, Clarked was jailed for two years and four months.

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Clarke, of Spring Lane in Bishopstoke, appeared before Southampton Crown Court on December 14.

He previously pleaded guilty to arranging or facilitating a sexual act with a child under 13 at a hearing in November.

A SEROCU previously spokesperson said: “We do not tolerate those who look to exploit children for sexual purposes and work tirelessly to disrupt them.  

“This case demonstrates that we will take you to court. Clarke has now been sentenced as a consequence of his actions.”