Man Convicted of Indecent Assault Against Children

Martin Coulson, 70, has been convicted of six counts of indecent assault against children as young as five years old. The offences took place at Gosport, Hampshire, on multiple occasions between the 1970s and 1990s. The victims ranged in age from five to 13 years old.

Coulson was found guilty at Portsmouth Crown Court on September 26th, 2023. He was found not guilty of one other count. Coulson had denied all charges, but was sentenced to three years in prison, followed by an extended licence period of one year.

Coulson had strong ties to the Bath area, previously serving as chairman of the Combe Down Heritage Society and participating in numerous public campaigns. He resigned from this position on October 2nd, 2023, with no reason given.

The Combe Down Heritage Society spokesperson stated, "We're looking for another chairman. He was an extremely active and creative chairman. We'll struggle to replace him with someone with the same sort of drive."

Coulson was an active participant in various activities as chairman, including local lectures, historical projects, and consultation schemes. He also received an OBE in 1995 for his service as a lieutenant colonel in the Territorial Army.