Ric Pallister: former council leader guilty of indecent assaults

Ric Pallister has been remanded in custody and will be sentenced at Taunton Crown Court on Friday

A former council leader has been found guilty of 18 historical charges of indecent assault.

Ric Pallister, who led South Somerset District Council between 2011 and 2018, used his position to groom his female victims - including two children - by sexually touching them.

Pallister, 74, an ex-Liberal Democrat councillor, was convicted after a two week trial at Taunton Crown Court.

Det Supt Frank Glover called Pallister "an opportunistic and prolific abuser".

Pallister, a former Naval officer, faced 33 charges and was cleared of 15 counts of indecent assault by the jury.

Avon and Somerset Police said two of the people he assaulted were children at the time of the offences, between the 1980s and 2000s.

'Groom, manipulate, control'

Det Supt Frank Glover added: "On the surface Ric Pallister appeared to many to be a dedicated and respected member of his community, but the reality could not have been more stark.

"He was able to commit these acts in plain sight and wielded the ability to groom, manipulate, control and coerce his victims.

"The impact of his offending has been damaging and long-lasting, leaving the victims with mental scars and issues with self-worth and self-belief."

A spokesperson for the NSPCC in the South West said the former council leader had betrayed his position of authority in the worst possible way.

"He is now finally facing the consequences of his actions and this case highlights that survivors of sexual abuse can receive justice, no matter how long ago the offences took place," the charity said.

A Liberal Democrat spokesperson said Pallister had not been a member since the allegations were brought forward in March 2020.

"The Liberal Democrats oppose sexual assault in all forms and stand by those who bravely come forward to speak out, particularly regarding historic cases of abuse.

"Mr Pallister's conduct does not reflect the values that our members are expected to uphold. Our thoughts are with those affected in this case and we hope this verdict will bring them some closure."

The judge, Miss Recorder Joanna Martin QC, thanked the jury for their "tenacity and courage" at reaching the verdicts.

Pallister was told he faces prison when he is sentenced on Friday.