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Scout leader 'almost died' when drink was spiked
Benedict Moore-Bridger7 Nov 2008
A SCOUT leader told today how she was fired when she revealed she almost died on a camp after having her drink spiked with brandy.
Elaine Setohy was taken to hospital after waking up with severe chest pains while with the 1st Beddington group.
The children at the camp were in the Beavers - the youngest Scout section, aged six to eight.
The 57-year-old has a condition that makes her heart speed up to dangerous levels and alcohol can exacerbate the problem. She claimed the brandy was slipped into her fruit cocktail at the camp in Beddington, near Croydon.
She was treated at the local Mayday Hospital for three days and was seriously ill for a further two weeks.
Mrs Setohy, a mother-of-two from Norbury, said that when she made the issue public, she was fired by the Scout Association. She said: "I am outraged. The association are closing ranks and putting their reputation above the safety of the children. It is a complete whitewash - they have not investigated this thoroughly and are trying to sweep it under the carpet."
Mrs Setohy is registered disabled and suffers heart problems including arrhythmia. After she raised the matter with the Scout Association, it carried out an inquiry. But she claims they failed to investigate properly, and after making a formal complaint, she says she never received a written response. She then told a local newspaper.
In a letter from the association's district commissioner Chris Williams, Mrs Setohy was told: "I am disappointed that you chose to bring this matter to the attention of the media and in so doing tarnished the reputation of the Scouts Association. I have had no option but to withdraw your appointment."
Mrs Setohy claims the alcohol was brought to the event by fellow Scout leader Tom Nixon, 19.
She said: "Tom came to see me in hospital and said he had put a double brandy in my drink.
"I said he could have killed me and he just said, 'I'm sorry, I'm sorry,' over and over again. I forgave him because I know he did not mean to do me any harm."
Mr Nixon refused to comment and referred the Standard to the Scout Association press office.
A spokesman for the association insisted it was taking Mrs Setohy's complaints very seriously, but refused to confirm who had brought alcohol to the event. He said: "No one disputes whether there was alcohol in her drink. But there is dispute over who knew what, where and when.
"If mistakes were made then that will be identified and dealt with by the complaints procedure."
Mr Williams, who carried out the initial investigation, said: "I am not prepared to say anything about it. As far as I am concerned the matter has been dealt with."
Reader views (4)
This report only shows Mrs Setohy's side of the story. I know Elaine, I also know Mr Williams, and I know exactly who I believe. Eventually when everything comes out in the open, you will see that the Scout Association have acted correctly and have nothing to hide.
- Akela, The Scout Hut, 10/11/2008 20:19
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This is an absolute disgrace. They are not standing up for the Scout's values, which surely include integrity and honesty. Rather, they are dragging the Scouts into the mud (or should that be whitewash? ) She should immediately get her job back, failing which she should take them to the cleaners at a tribunal.
- Nigel, London, 07/11/2008 13:26
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Seems like the association is cvering up for their own.
Elaine- you should see if you can get a lawyer to take up a civil action against these chumps.
- Mick Adamek, Australia, 07/11/2008 12:30
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If it was vodka that had been slipped into the drink, I might find it more believable. Brandy has a distinct smell and taste which is very hard to disguise.
- Triffidqueen, Desk in London, 07/11/2008 11:05
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