Guilty of sex offences
Stalwart of community convicted over indecent assault
A former chairman of the Combe Down Heritage Society has been convicted of indecently assaulting children.
Martin Coulson, 70, was sentenced to three years in prison following a trial at Portsmouth Crown Court for six counts of indecent assault on children aged between five and 13.
The offences took place in Gosport, Hampshire, in the 1970s, 80s and 90s.
Coulson, who denied all the charges, was found not guilty of one other count.
Coulson, whose address was listed in court as Highbury Road, Weston-super-mare, had strong links to the Bath area, previously acting as chairman of the Combe Down Heritage Society and taking part in several public campaigns.
He has since vacated the chairmanship, a spokesman confirmed.
The spokesman said: “We’re looking for another chairman.
“Martin resigned on October 2, with no reason given.”
Coulson participated in numerous activities as chairman including local lectures, historical projects and consultation schemes.
Tickets were still available this week for a talk he was due to give on November 8.
Coulson was also an OBE, having received the recognition in 1995 while serving as a lieutenant colonel in the Territorial Army.
He will now serve three years in prison and an extended licence period of one year.