Former Estonian clergyman and scout leader Toomas Maarand faces new sexual offence charges

Former clergyman and scout leader Toomas Maarand, who has previously faced court for repeated sexual offences against children but escaped with suspended sentences, now faces the prospect of real imprisonment after being charged with new crimes.

A former Estonian clergyman and scout leader, Toomas Maarand, is facing new sexual offence charges after having previously been convicted multiple times for crimes against children — yet avoiding prison each time through suspended sentences.

Maarand had already appeared in court on repeated occasions for sexual offences targeting minors, but had until now managed to escape with conditional punishments. The new charges, which involve the taking of nude photographs of boys, could finally result in a custodial sentence for the repeat offender.

The case has drawn renewed public attention to questions about how repeat sex offenders are sentenced in Estonia, and whether suspended sentences adequately protect children from individuals who hold positions of trust such as clergy or youth organisation leaders.