Karate coach caught with more than 100 indecent images on laptop.

Former Karate Coach Sentenced for Attempted Sexual Communication with a Child

A former karate coach, Jordan McCarthy-Simmonette, was sentenced to 10 months imprisonment, suspended for two years, after pleading guilty to attempted sexual communication with a child and possession of indecent images of children.

McCarthy-Simmonette, 24, was arrested in October 2019 by officers from Northumbria Police's Paedophile Online Investigation Team (POLIT) after engaging in online conversations with someone he believed to be a 14-year-old boy. The individual was actually a registered sex offender, the subject of a separate police investigation.

A search of McCarthy-Simmonette's Newcastle home uncovered 109 Category C indecent images on his tablet and mobile phone. He was subsequently charged with the offenses.

Following his arrest, authorities worked with local partners to remove McCarthy-Simmonette from his coaching role and implement appropriate safeguards. He was also given a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) for seven years and placed on the Sex Offenders Register for 10 years.

Detective Constable Rob Smoult from POLIT stated, "As a force, we are committed to protecting children and young people from online predators. McCarthy-Simmonette's actions are completely unacceptable. We are grateful for the thorough investigation that led to his conviction. We want to assure the community that we are constantly working with partners to ensure the safety of children."

The police encourage adults to talk to their children about online safety, including the importance of privacy settings and being aware of who they are engaging with online.