Former Boys' Brigade leader and charity founder molested a teenager during camping trips.

Former Boys' Brigade leader and charity founder spared jail for sex offences.

David Wall, a Hampshire sex offender who molested a teenager during camping trips, has been spared an immediate jail term.

Wall, who was previously jailed for seven years in 2017 for indecently assaulting four boys between 1981 and 2001, was handed a suspended prison sentence because he had already served time for similar offences.

Wall, a married father-of-two, later established the Hampshire-based Christian charity Acts 4 Sharing.

Southampton Crown Court heard that the incidents involving the teenager took place between 2005 and 2007.

Prosecutor Peter Asteris said the first offence occurred in the New Forest, where Wall touched his victim's back and bottom. The teenager tried to fend him off but Wall had his arm around his neck and tightened his grip.

Describing the second offence, Mr. Asteris said Wall caressed the teenager's leg and bottom.

In a statement read to the court, the victim said he lacked confidence and suffered low esteem as a result of Wall's actions. He added, "I feel I have completely lost my early adult life. I find it impossible to form close, loving and intimate relationships. I have lost careers because of depression."

Mr. Asteris stated that the victim went to police after reading a newspaper account of Wall's 2017 trial.

Last month, Wall denied two counts of sexual assault but was convicted. The case was adjourned for pre-sentence reports.

Defense lawyer Thomas Horder argued that his client had already served a "significant" custodial sentence for similar offenses.

Judge Peter Henry, describing the 2005-2007 offences, said the victim was sexually assaulted on two separate occasions. He told Wall, "They were over his clothing but nevertheless the boy found it extremely distressing. You pleaded not guilty and he had to go through a trial, giving evidence as well as being cross-examined."

Judge Henry acknowledged Wall's age, health, and behavior in prison but stated, "Had you not served a previous sentence I would have sent you immediately to custody."

Wall, 58, of Ash Grove, Ringwood, was handed a nine-month sentence, suspended for two years, and was ordered to pay £2,500 in costs.