THE former most senior Scouts leader in the Island was convicted this morning of abusing a child – including force-feeding her a mix of spicy foods as punishment.
Beverley Rose Colley (56) faced a five-day trial this week, accused of a number of offences against the child.
She was convicted of two counts of causing harm to a child and two counts of common assault, and she will never be able to volunteer with the Scouts again.
After just under a day of deliberations, the jury agreed unanimously that Colley had force-fed the child with a mix of spicy foods, which she kept in the fridge and referred to as “mouthwash” or “the medicine pot”.
They also agreed that she had hit the child with a wooden spoon.
Colley had been charged with two counts of grave and criminal assault. Instead, the jury found that she was guilty of two counts of common assault, a less serious offence.
Colley was acquitted of one more charge of assault.
Colley had previously held the two most senior positions in Jersey’s Scouts, as Island Commissioner and Deputy Island Commissioner. She was suspended in April 2024, when the investigation started. Her Scouts membership has since been cancelled.
The States police said the offences had “caused serious and lasting harm to the victim, and the impact continues to be felt today”.
“Today’s verdict reinforces that violence and abuse in any form are never acceptable and will not be tolerated.”
They commended the victim for coming forward and pledged to fully investigate reports made to the force.
Colley has been bailed and will next appear in the Royal Court on 20 March, when a sentencing date will be set.
The Deputy Bailiff, Mark Temple, presided over the trial.
More in tomorrow’s JEP.
