MICHAEL COLEMAN JAILED FOR ABUSING BOYS AT BOLTON SPORTS CENTRE
In a case that has sent shockwaves through the Bolton community, Michael Coleman, a 75-year-old man from Glaister Lane, was sentenced to seven years in prison for a series of disturbing sexual offenses committed against young boys at a local sports facility.The conviction was handed down at Bolton Crown Court following a thorough investigation into allegations of non-recent sexual abuse that spanned several decades.
During the court proceedings, it was revealed that Coleman served as the manager of Westhoughton Sports Centre during the 1980s.
It was here that he committed the heinous acts, which included multiple counts of indecent assault.
The court heard harrowing testimonies from victims who displayed remarkable bravery in coming forward to share their experiences, despite the long passage of time since the incidents occurred.
According to court records, Coleman maintained a disturbing pattern of behavior involving the boys who frequented the sports centre.
He reportedly insisted that the boys shower after playing football, a routine that he would often join, watching them intently.
One of the victims, who was approximately 12 years old at the time, recounted that Coleman followed him out of the shower area and exposed himself before coercing him into engaging in a sexual act.
This traumatic event was just one of several that the court heard about.
Another young man, who was around 12 or 13 years old, disclosed that Coleman had sexually assaulted him on multiple occasions.
The victim explained that he did not fully understand the gravity of what was happening at the time, only realizing the severity of the abuse many years later.
Additionally, a third victim revealed that Coleman inappropriately touched him under the guise of offering physiotherapy while he was suffering from an injury.
This particular incident left the victim confused and distressed, and it was only with the benefit of hindsight that he recognized the abuse for what it was.
Police officials praised the victims for their courage in speaking out, which ultimately led to Coleman’s conviction.
The case highlights the importance of listening to and supporting survivors of abuse, especially those who come forward after many years.
As Coleman begins his sentence, the community reflects on the need for vigilance and safeguarding measures to prevent such tragedies from recurring in local sports and community centers.
