Head Teacher Awarded MBE Charged With Sexually Abusing Young Boy

A former headteacher – awarded the MBE for services to youth work – has appeared in court accused of a sex act on an underage boy four decades ago.

John Coatman, 74, of 8 Leyburn Gardens, Croydon was the head of St. Andrew's School in the town's Warrington Road and became a Member of the British Empire in 2012.

He appeared on bail at Croydon Magistrates Court yesterday charged with committing buggery on a boy aged under sixteen years of age between January 1 and December 31, 1973 at the Leyburn Gardens address.

He joined youth group the Croydon Cusaders – now named Urban Saints – in 1949 and rose to represent the club at national and international level.

Since retiring he has dedicated his time to the youth club and has worked with more than 100,000 young people leading expeditions to Austria, a project which has secured European Union funding, and on countless Duke of Edinburgh Award trips.

He will next appear at Croydon Crown court for a preliminary hearing on August 25.