RICHARD COULSON JAILED IN CHATHAM FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES COMMITTED OVER 20 YEARS AGO
| Red Rose Database
Chatham Child Sexual Abuser
In a case that has resurfaced painful memories from over two decades ago, Richard Coulson, a man from Chatham, has been sentenced to a 12-month prison term after admitting to serious sexual offenses committed during his teenage years. The incident, which took place more than 20 years ago, involved Coulson engaging in inappropriate sexual behavior with a young girl, an act that has now led to his conviction and subsequent imprisonment.
At the time of the offenses, Coulson was a teenager, but the repercussions of his actions have persisted into his adult life. Despite having since built a seemingly respectable life, Coulson’s past actions have cast a long shadow. Court proceedings revealed that Coulson, who is now 41 years old and married with three children, had been leading what was described as a blameless life, including his role as the coach of a girls’ football team for children under 13. This detail was highlighted to underscore the contrast between his current responsible image and his past misconduct.
The case was heard at Maidstone Crown Court, where Judge Jeremy Carey presided over the proceedings. Coulson, residing on Violet Close in Chatham, pleaded guilty to charges of indecent assault and another serious sexual offense. The judge emphasized that, although Coulson’s actions did not involve coercion or force, the victim was not the instigator of the incident, and the seriousness of the offense warranted a custodial sentence.
During the hearing, Coulson’s defense lawyer, Carolina Guiloff, argued that the circumstances of the case were exceptional enough to justify a suspended sentence. She pointed out that Coulson had led a fulfilling life within the community, acknowledging that he had committed “terrible things” in the past. Despite this, Judge Carey made it clear that the impact on the victim was profound and that the seriousness of the offense could not be overlooked.
In his remarks, Judge Carey noted that Coulson’s life since the incident had been largely unblemished, including his service as a soldier with two tours in Northern Ireland. The judge described Coulson as a responsible and loving father, who had accepted responsibility for his actions. However, he also warned Coulson that the consequences of his past actions would continue to affect him, including the potential loss of employment, his home, and his good name.
While the judge stated that deterrence was not the primary concern in this case, he emphasized the importance of the public understanding that such serious offenses must be met with appropriate punishment. The sentence was kept relatively short because the court believed Coulson had already been substantially punished through the legal process. As part of his sentence, Coulson will be registered on the sex offenders’ register for ten years and will be prohibited from working with children and vulnerable adults, reflecting the ongoing restrictions placed upon him due to his crimes.
At the time of the offenses, Coulson was a teenager, but the repercussions of his actions have persisted into his adult life. Despite having since built a seemingly respectable life, Coulson’s past actions have cast a long shadow. Court proceedings revealed that Coulson, who is now 41 years old and married with three children, had been leading what was described as a blameless life, including his role as the coach of a girls’ football team for children under 13. This detail was highlighted to underscore the contrast between his current responsible image and his past misconduct.
The case was heard at Maidstone Crown Court, where Judge Jeremy Carey presided over the proceedings. Coulson, residing on Violet Close in Chatham, pleaded guilty to charges of indecent assault and another serious sexual offense. The judge emphasized that, although Coulson’s actions did not involve coercion or force, the victim was not the instigator of the incident, and the seriousness of the offense warranted a custodial sentence.
During the hearing, Coulson’s defense lawyer, Carolina Guiloff, argued that the circumstances of the case were exceptional enough to justify a suspended sentence. She pointed out that Coulson had led a fulfilling life within the community, acknowledging that he had committed “terrible things” in the past. Despite this, Judge Carey made it clear that the impact on the victim was profound and that the seriousness of the offense could not be overlooked.
In his remarks, Judge Carey noted that Coulson’s life since the incident had been largely unblemished, including his service as a soldier with two tours in Northern Ireland. The judge described Coulson as a responsible and loving father, who had accepted responsibility for his actions. However, he also warned Coulson that the consequences of his past actions would continue to affect him, including the potential loss of employment, his home, and his good name.
While the judge stated that deterrence was not the primary concern in this case, he emphasized the importance of the public understanding that such serious offenses must be met with appropriate punishment. The sentence was kept relatively short because the court believed Coulson had already been substantially punished through the legal process. As part of his sentence, Coulson will be registered on the sex offenders’ register for ten years and will be prohibited from working with children and vulnerable adults, reflecting the ongoing restrictions placed upon him due to his crimes.