UNTED KINGDOM
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A retired headmaster who was honoured by the Queen for his services to young people is facing jail after being found guilty of gross indecency with a 14-year-old boy.
John Coatman, 75, of Leyburn Gardens, Croydon, was today convicted of having sexual activity with the teenager in the 1970s following a trial at the Old Bailey.
He was headteacher at St Andrew’s Church of England High School at the time and also worked with a Christian youth group, of which the victim was a member.
The abuse came to light in 2014 after the breakdown of the victim’s marriage and problems at work, jurors were told.
He told the court earlier this week that Coatman made him feel “safe” and “valued” and he came to see himself as a “willing partner” in the sexual activity.
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