A MAN has appeared in court on charges of raping a 14-year-old boy in public restrooms off the coast of Bournemouth.
Richard Derek Coulson of Merlewood Close, Bournemouth, spoke only to confirm his name and address when he appeared in Poole’s Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday (May 11th).
The 51-year-old builder is accused of raping a 14-year-old boy in the Pier Approach toilets between 8.30am and 8.45am on Saturday, May 7, and intentionally touching a 14-year-old boy, not believing he was 16 years old.
Coulson was remanded in custody until June 13, when he will appear in Bournemouth court for a preliminary hearing.
Magistrate Fiona McKenna left Coulson in custody due to the gravity of the alleged crimes.
After police indicted Coulson, CID Chief Detective Ross Graham of Bournemouth said: Pool on Wednesday, May 11.
“Specially trained officers continue to support the boy and his family and they have been updated with this latest development.
“Our investigation into this reported crime is ongoing and I would urge all witnesses or anyone with information to contact Dorset police.
“This issue is now the subject of a lawsuit and it would therefore be completely inappropriate for Dorset police to comment further at this time. It is important to allow the judiciary to follow its own path.
“I would like to remind the public that this issue is currently the subject of active litigation and it is important to emphasize that there should be no comments or sharing of information online or on social media that could harm these proceedings.”
The toilets remained closed on Monday as police continued to investigate the incident.
District Chief Inspector Darren Harris of the local border police area said: “We continue to work with the Border Council and other partner agencies to ensure that we have a strong visible presence on the coast and that these efforts will continue for the rest of the spring and summer.
“Police officers, community support police officers, Community Safety Accreditation Scheme (CSAS) staff and council staff can address the public with any concerns. Lifeguards and RNLI personnel can also be approached, with their beach towers serving as a safe place to deal with concerns or seek additional help.
Add Comment