A FORMER magistrate and head of Hampshire Football Association has been found guilty of sexual abusing young boys as far back as the early 1960s.

Jurors took under four hours to unanimously find Ray Barnes guilty of five charges of indecently assaulting three boys on several occasions between 1964 and 1983. He was acquitted on another indecent assault charge and the judge ordered jurors to clear him of a further similar charge.

On hearing the verdict, Barnes' supporters in the public gallery gasped in disbelief. But the 74-year-old stood steadily on his feet, showing no emotion as his hard-earned reputation crumbled before his eyes.

The married father-of-four, of Grateley Close, Weston, Southampton, was given bail before a sentencing date on January 14.

He was also placed on the sex offenders' register.

Jurors at Bournemouth Crown Court heard how he would take his victims, one as young as 11, to football matches and give them driving lessons.

He would then indecently assault them, sometimes in his car or a flat.

But one victim broke his silence in June last year after more than 30 years.

After Barnes’ arrest two more victims came forward. The offences took place in Southampton.

Outwardly Ray Barnes was a pillar of his community. He served as a special constable in the early 1970s and for 26 years until 2006 he sat on the bench at Southampton magistrates, as well as working with Wessex Youth Offending Team.

He was also one of the best known names in local grass roots football, having tirelessly devoted himself to the cause for more than 40 years.

In 1972 he was appointed as the assistant secretary to Hampshire Football Association, the governing body of football in the county, after refereeing in the combination league during the 1960s.

He took the helm from 1976 until 2001, after which he was honoured by being made Life Vice-President of the Hampshire Football Association. In 2007 he was made president of Sydenhams Wessex League.

In 1996, as secretary of Hampshire Football Association, he publicly backed a campaign to vet every adult involved in the running of children's sports clubs to keep out paedophiles.

He expressed concern over the lack of control on who coaches and manages youth football.

Hampshire Football Association chief executive Neil Cassar said the board of directors would now be meeting to consider Barnes’ position as life-vice president.

The Sydenhams Wessex League will be meeting on Monday to review Barnes' position as chairman.