Scout leaders at an Oxfordshire troop have written to parents to explain their vetting procedures after a former leader pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting a teenage boy, writes Michael Hambleton.

Jonathan Steele, 37, pleaded guilty at Frome Magistrates' Court in Somerset last week to gross indecency on a 16-year-old boy.

Steele, of Thames Mead, Crowmarsh Gifford, was ordered by magistrates to attend Wallingford police station to put his details on the sex offenders' register.

Oxfordshire Scout Commissioner Tim Kidd said the Scout movement operated a "thorough" system of vetting potential leaders although no system was fail-safe.

Mr Kidd has taken charge of the crisis at the 23rd Didcot All Saints' Sea Scouts, where Steele is understood to have been a leader for more than 15 years.

The County Commissioner said a Scout leader's warrant was automatically suspended if there was any allegation of a serious matter, although Steele had immediately tendered his resignation and his warrant was cancelled.

"We have informed parents and leaders in the group and we are providing support," said Mr Kidd.

Steele's case was committed to Bristol Crown Court.