In 2019, the Offender Database reported that Michael Pulsford, then 68, of Corsham, Wiltshire, was sentenced to eight years and eight months in prison at Southampton Crown Court. Pulsford, a qualified solicitor-advocate who had represented defendants in child abuse cases, admitted to 16 counts of indecent assault committed between 1974 and 1989.
The investigation established that Pulsford abused three boys and three girls while serving as a Christian youth group leader. The victims, aged between 12 and 15 at the time, were targeted in Wiltshire, Hampshire, and the Isle of Wight. Pulsford used his status as a “pillar of the community” to groom children during summer camps, at his home, and in his office.
Reopening the Investigation
Although one complainant came forward in 2011, Pulsford denied the allegations and no action was taken at that time. The case was reopened in 2017 after another victim reported an indecent assault. One man reported that the Jimmy Savile scandal prompted him to recall his experiences with Pulsford. He stated he was “appalled” to discover Pulsford had built a legal career defending individuals accused of the same crimes he was committing.
Two further women came forward with allegations of indecent assault after media coverage of the proceedings began. Victims described Pulsford as an “evil manipulator” who had stolen their “childhood innocence.”
Gross Abuse of Trust
During sentencing, Judge Peter Henry emphasised that while the youth group aimed to instil “Christian values,” Pulsford had only been “pretending” to hold them. The judge stated that Pulsford occupied a position of “considerable power, influence and trust” which he “grossly” abused.
For his crimes across the south of England, Michael Pulsford was:
- Sentenced to eight years and eight months in prison.
- Placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life.
Monitoring and Public Protection
Pulsford is managed under Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) by Wiltshire Police. His previous history as a legal professional and a youth leader remains under “critical” scrutiny.
As a lifetime member of the Sex Offenders Register, Pulsford must comply with strict notification requirements regarding his address and travel. Wiltshire Police state that they will continue to support survivors of historic abuse and ensure that those who hide behind “respectable” professions are held to account. Any breach of his registration or licence conditions will result in his immediate return to Southampton Crown Court.
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