MICHAEL FURNISS

BRITISH LEGION VOLUNTEER JAILED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT ON WIDOW

A volunteer for the Royal British Legion has been sentenced to prison for sexually assaulting a woman seeking assistance for her husband's funeral expenses.

The ex-RAF serviceman, Michael Furniss, asked the woman if she missed sex and then kissed her, putting his tongue in her mouth.

Judge Steve Coupland described his actions as targeting a vulnerable person and called it an appalling offence.

The woman, who was in her late 60s, begged Furniss to stop during the assault and reported him to the police.

Furniss, a volunteer case worker, was suspended from his role following the incident and was convicted of sexual assault last month.

He was found not guilty of charges involving three other women.

Furniss, aged 62, denied all charges, claiming the women lied.

His counsel argued he should receive a lenient sentence due to his caring responsibilities for his wife, who requires 24-hour support.

Nevertheless, he was sentenced to two years and three months in prison and will be on the sex offenders register for 10 years.

Judge Coupland emphasized that Furniss had not taken responsibility for his actions and stated that immediate custody was necessary to reflect the seriousness of the offence.

Following the trial, the Royal British Legion issued a statement expressing regret for the offence committed while furnishing his role as a volunteer.