David Wall 60

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A HAMPSHIRE sex offender who molested a teenager during camping trips has been spared an immediate jail term.

Former Boys' Brigade leader and charity founder David Wall was handed a suspended prison sentence because he had already served time for similar offences.

Wall was jailed for seven years at Plymouth Crown Court in 2017 after being convicted of indecently assaulting four boys between 1981 and 2001.

The married father-of-two later established the Hampshire-based Christian charity Acts 4 Sharing.

Southampton Crown Court heard that the incidents involving the teenager took place between 2005 and 2007.

Peter Asteris, prosecuting, said the first offence occurred in the New Forest, where Wall touched his victim's back and bottom.

The teenager tried to fend him off but the defendant had his arm around his neck and tightened his grip.

Describing the second offence Mr Asteris said Wall caressed the teenager's leg and bottom.

In a statement that was read to the court, the victim said he lacked confidence and suffered low esteem as a result of the defendant's actions.

He added: "I feel I have completely lost my early adult life.

"I find it impossible to form close, loving and intimate relationships. I have lost careers because of depression."

Mr Asteris said the victim went to police after reading a newspaper account of Wall's 2017 trial.

Appearing at Southampton Crown Court last month Wall denied two counts of sexual assault but was convicted and the case was adjourned for pre-sentence reports.

Thomas Horder, mitigating, said his client had already served a "significant" custodial sentence for similar offences.

Describing the 2005-2007 offences Judge Peter Henry said the victim was sexually assaulted on two separate occasions.

He told the defendant: "They were over his clothing but nevertheless the boy found it extremely distressing.

"You pleaded not guilty and he had to go through a trial, giving evidence as well as being cross-examined."

Judge Henry said he had taken the defendant's age, health and behaviour in prison into account but added: "Had you not served a previous sentence I would have sent you immediately to custody."

Wall, 58, of Ash Grove, Ringwood, was handed a nine-month sentence, suspended for two years, and was told to pay 2,500 costs.