Eight-year ban for former footballer who ran London sports academy
A former professional footballer who ran a sports academy in London has been banned from coaching for eight years after being found guilty of sexually abusing two teenage girls.
David Paul, 58, was convicted of three counts of sexual activity with a child and two counts of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity following a trial at Southwark Crown Court.
The court heard that Paul, who played for clubs including Chelsea and Brighton, abused the girls while they were pupils at his academy in south London.
He admitted to grabbing and kissing one of the girls but denied any sexual activity. However, the jury rejected his account and found him guilty.
Sentencing Paul, Judge David Tomlinson said he had “betrayed the trust” of the girls and their families.
The judge said he had chosen not to impose a prison sentence as Paul had already spent almost a year in custody and was in poor health.
Instead, he sentenced Paul to an eight-year community order, which includes a three-year supervision order, a three-year sexual harm prevention order and a three-year restraining order banning him from contacting the victims.
Paul must also register as a sex offender for the rest of his life.
In a statement, the FA said it was “appalled” by Paul’s crimes and had banned him from all football-related activities.
The FA said: “The FA is appalled by the criminal actions of David Paul, who abused his position of trust to commit these abhorrent crimes.
“The FA has a zero-tolerance approach to any form of abuse and is committed to ensuring that football is a safe and inclusive environment for all.
“The FA fully supports the victims of Paul’s crimes and hopes that they can take some comfort from the fact that he has been brought to justice.”
Paul’s victims said they were “relieved” that he had been convicted and hoped that other young people would be protected from him in the future.
One of the victims said: “I am so relieved that Paul has been found guilty and that he will not be able to hurt other young people.
“I hope that my story will encourage other victims of sexual abuse to come forward and report it to the police. You are not alone and there is help available.*”
The other victim said: “I am so grateful to the jury for believing me and for finding Paul guilty.
“I hope that this verdict will give other victims of sexual abuse the courage to come forward and report it to the police. You are not alone and there is help available.*”
The NSPCC said it was “horrified” by Paul’s crimes and urged anyone who had been affected by sexual abuse to seek help.
An NSPCC spokesperson said: “We are horrified by the crimes committed by David Paul and our thoughts are with the victims and their families.
“Sexual abuse can have a devastating impact on victims, and it is important that they get the support they need to recover.
“If you have been affected by sexual abuse, please contact the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000. You are not alone.”
Eight-year ban for former footballer who ran London sports academy
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