A RETIRED fireman has appeared in court charged with sexually assaulting a boy in a Dorset fire station almost 40 years ago.

David Bryant, 62, of Grove Road East, Christchurch, is accused of a serious sex crime on a boy aged between 12 and 15.

Bryant worked as a part-time retained firefighter for 40 years in Christchurch and finished his fire service career in 2006 as retained station manager. After that he worked on a voluntary basis.

He narrowly escaped death during the hurricane in October 1987 when a falling tree crushed the cab of a Christchurch fire engine, killing two comrades and injuring two more.

Bournemouth Magistrates Court heard yesterday that the sex charge dates between January 1, 1976, and December 31, 1978, and the alleged offence took place at Christchurch Fire Station on Fairmile Road.

Bryant, represented by Mark Hensleigh, was told that his case could only be dealt with by Bournemouth Crown Court and was released on unconditional bail to appear on July 29 for a preliminary hearing.

During his time at the station, Bryant battled some famous fires across the region including the 1974 Bournemouth bus station blaze, the forest fires of the summer of ’76 and the BDH chemical works explosion in Poole in 1988.

In 2006 Bryant became an honorary freeman of Christchurch Borough Council in recognition of his 40 years service to the community.

He recently resigned the position, Christchurch Borough Council confirmed.

Neil Farmer, strategic director at the Christchurch and East Dorset Partnership, said: “David Bryant recently resigned his position as Honorary Freeman of the Borough for personal reasons.

“It would therefore be inappropriate for the council to comment on this case.”

Tim Spring, deputy area commander for Dorset Fire and Rescue Service said: “DFRS have been assisting Dorset Police with their investigation into an alleged incident in the Christchurch area which dates back to the 1970s.

“The incident is reported as having happened on DFRS premises, potentially involving a former member of staff. The individual worked for DFRS on a voluntary basis at the time of the allegation but has been suspended from their role.

“The suspension was put in place as soon as the service became aware of the allegations. They will remain suspended until the outcomes from the police investigation and subsequent trial are known.”