A MAN and a woman who beat up a homeless man and subjected him to an intimate search because they believed he had drugs on him have been jailed.

Charmaine Coulson, 36, of Benson Court, Stonehouse and Sean Mayer, 39, formerly of Bridge Keepers Way, Hardwicke, but now living in Coleford, were sentenced to a total prison term of five years and six months at Gloucester Crown Court on Friday (January 28).

Prosecutor Neil Treharne said that at 10.10pm on Saturday June 13, 2020, Andrew Page, who was homeless, was sitting with a friend on steps near the alleyway between Cromwell Street and St Michael’s Square in Gloucester when he saw Mayer and Coulson approaching them.

“Coulson was arguing with Mayer and she then grabbed Mr Page by the wrists and asked him if he was scoring drugs," said the barrister. "Mr Page replied ‘no’ and he added that neither of them were doing drugs.

“Coulson accused him of lying and then pulled him back and proceeded to punch him a couple of times.

“Mayer then joined in and asked Mr Page what he was doing, to which Mr Page replied that they were just chatting and re-emphasised the fact they were not using drugs.

“Coulson didn’t believe what Mr Page said and became aggressive. She restrained him from running off. She punched him to his nose. Mr Page’s friend then ran off and was chased by Mayer.

“When Mayer returned a few minutes later, he accused Mr Page of lying and told him to share the drugs with him and Coulson or 'I’ll break your jaw.'

“Mr Page reiterated that he had nothing to give them. Coulson then pulled his trousers down and conducted an intimate search which included touching his genitals. She also searched his jacket and stole a bank card and £20 in cash.

“She demanded that Mr Page give her his pin number, but Mr Page declined. At that point Mayer became violent and punched Mr Page, who fell to the ground. Mr Page began to struggle and was held down by Mayer.

“Mr Page attempted to shout out but Coulson put her hand over his mouth. The commotion caused local residents to intervene.

“Mayer told the bystanders he was with Gloucestershire Police’s drug squad and showed them an official looking walkie-talkie radio. He then changed his story and stated that Mr Page owed him money.

“Eventually Mayer and Coulson left the victim alone and he made his escape and informed two police officers patrolling in the city centre what had just happened.

“CCTV was obtained and the police were able to identify Coulson and Mayer from the video, backed up by witnesses to the incident.”

Lloyd Jenkins, defending Mayer, said his client admitted that he had an extensive criminal record and that most of it had been caused by his drug habit.

Mr Jenkins added: “Since being released from prison for an unrelated offence he has not troubled the police or the courts for over a year. He is now a completely different person to how he was in June 2020.

“For the first time in his adult life he has found employment after moving from Gloucester to the Forest of Dean. He has enrolled on a number of courses to drive plant equipment.

“Mayer puts his change of attitude in turning his life around, down to the efforts of his partner.”

Matthew Harbinson, for Coulson, pointed out that she has already been sentenced for a similar matter last year for an offence that also took 18 months to get to court.

Mr Harbinson added: “In reality these two offences should have been sentenced together. Coulson is extremely remorseful and she is determined that this will be the last sentencing exercise she will ever endure.”

Mayer and Coulson both pleaded guilty to robbing Mr Page on June 13, 2020 of a bank card and £20 cash.

Judge Michael Cullum told the defendants: “You both took advantage of somebody who you knew as being homeless.

“The offence itself was deeply unpleasant. You decided to take drugs and money from him by conducting an intimate search of his body, but you did not find what you were looking for.

“You Coulson, also started punching Mr Page and grabbing him. Mayer, you decided to join in and make it your argument too.

“You Mayer, joined in with vigour. You effectively fought him. You punched him while he was on the ground and gave him a black eye.

“You then tried to fool the local residents into leaving the scene after claiming to be with the police because of the walkie-talkie. You may not have been involved at the start, but you were fully engaged by the end of the incident.

“He was subjected to the indignity of an intimate search in public. He was vulnerable and of limited means, yet you stole £20 cash and his bank card.

“I appreciate that you, Mayer, have obtained employment and have been working hard to turn your life around but the only justifiable sentence is one of immediate custody.”

The judge jailed Mayer for two years and six months and Coulson for three years.