In August 2014 the victim, who is now an adult and living in Lancashire, approached police with allegations of sexual abuse in Bournemouth in the 1980s when he was between 6 and 12 years old. It is alleged that Hamilton-Harvey befriended the boy before abusing him.

During the 1980s Hamilton-Harvey was living in Bournemouth and was a local scoutmaster. Later he also run an organisation called Bournemouth Community Care Trust.

Detective Inspector Neil Phillips, of Dorset Police’s Child Abuse Investigation Team, said: “Following our investigation into the allegations the Crown Prosecution Service directed Dorset Police to charge Peter Hamilton-Harvey with these historic offences.

“In order to complete our investigation I am appealing for anyone with information regarding this case to come forward.

“Anyone with information should call the NSPCC on 0808 800 5000.”