MIKE PULSFORD FROM CORSHAM AND WEST NORWOOD JAILED FOR CHILD MOLESTATION IN SHOCKING CASE

In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the communities of Corsham and West Norwood, Michael Pulsford, aged 68, has been convicted and sentenced for a series of heinous crimes involving the sexual abuse of minors. Pulsford, who once held a respected position as a solicitor and a youth group leader, was found guilty of abusing three boys and three girls over a span of more than a decade, from 1974 to 1989.

His victims, ranging in age from 12 to 15 at the time of the abuse, suffered their ordeals across various locations including Wiltshire, Hampshire, and the Isle of Wight. The court heard that Pulsford exploited his trusted role within the community, grooming children during summer camps, at his residence, and within his office, all under the guise of promoting Christian values. However, Judge Peter Henry condemned Pulsford’s actions, stating that he had only been pretending to uphold those values while engaging in gross abuse of power and trust.

During the proceedings at Southampton Crown Court, it was revealed that Pulsford had admitted to 16 counts of indecent assault. The court was told that Pulsford, who was once a solicitor-advocate, had used his influence to manipulate vulnerable children, stripping away their innocence. The victims described Pulsford as an “evil manipulator” who had taken advantage of his position to commit these crimes, which left lasting scars.

The investigation into Pulsford’s conduct was reopened in 2017 after a new victim came forward, recalling the abuse amid media coverage of the Jimmy Savile scandal. One man, who had previously been silent, testified that he was molested by Pulsford during a Christian camp in the 1970s. This revelation prompted others to come forward, including two women who accused Pulsford of indecent assault following the media attention.

It was also disclosed that Pulsford had a history of defending clients accused of sexual offences, which added a layer of complexity to the case. An individual who had researched Pulsford’s background expressed shock upon discovering the extent of his involvement in defending child abuse cases, which he found appalling. Pulsford’s criminal activities spanned several locations, including the Isle of Wight, Hampshire, and Wiltshire, where he committed multiple acts of indecency against minors.

In addition to his criminal convictions, Pulsford’s professional life was marked by his long-standing career as a solicitor. He qualified in 1980 and later became a deputy clerk to the North Wiltshire Magistrates’ Court. He was known for his involvement in high-profile cases and his work as a youth leader, volunteering for Urban Saints and participating in international aid projects in India. Despite his public service and community involvement, his true character was revealed through his heinous crimes.

In a separate but related case from November 2018, Pulsford, then 67, admitted to multiple counts of indecent assault involving three boys and a girl from the 1970s and 1980s. He had resigned from his position at a solicitors’ firm and was required to register as a sex offender. His offenses included touching and kissing a girl under 16, as well as abusing boys in Hampshire, Wiltshire, and the Isle of Wight. Pulsford’s actions have now led to a prison sentence of over eight years, reflecting the severity of his crimes and the betrayal of trust placed in him by the community.

He was sentenced to eight years and eight months in prison, with the court emphasizing the gross abuse of power and influence Pulsford had wielded during his years of community service. The case has left a lasting impact on the victims and serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and safeguarding within community and religious organizations.