A Burnham-On-Sea pensioner who was the long-running bandmaster of a local marching band is this week starting 10 years behind bars after being convicted of indecently assaulting young boys over several years.
Peter John Halls, 71, has been found guilty of 18 counts of assault against boys under sixteen.
The former bandmaster of the Red Pythons Youth Marching Band, which was formerly the Burnham and Highbridge Scout and Guide Band, had denied all the charges.
All the attacks originally took place during the 1980s and six victims recently came forward after expressing their fears that he could re-offend. Mr Halls was found guilty following a trial.
Speaking after the trial, the officer on the case, DC Katherine Gillett, praised the courage shown by the witnesses and added that he hoped the sentence would encourage others who have been abused to come forward.
