ANDREW MCQUADE FROM MIDDLESBROUGH AND STOKESLEY CONVICTED OVER CHILD SEX INDECENCY CASE

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the local communities of Middlesbrough and Stokesley, Andrew McQuade, a 31-year-old sports instructor, was found guilty of serious charges related to the solicitation of a minor for sexual activity. The incident, which took place last year, involved McQuade sending a series of inappropriate emails to a 14-year-old girl, asking for explicit photographs and even proposing a threesome, raising grave concerns about the safety and exploitation of minors in the digital age.

At the time of the offences, McQuade was employed at Stokesley Leisure Centre, located in North Yorkshire, a detail that underscores the breach of trust and the potential risk posed by individuals working in environments with young people. The case was brought before Teesside Crown Court, where McQuade faced a two-day trial. During proceedings, he claimed that he believed the girl was 16 years old and denied ever seeing her in school uniform, attempting to justify his actions with a false account of her age and appearance.

However, the jury was not convinced by McQuade’s version of events. They accepted the testimony of the young girl, who insisted she had clearly told him her age and that he was aware she was only 14. The court found that McQuade had indeed incited the girl to engage in sexual activity through his online communications, leading to his conviction on two counts of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity. A third charge was dismissed on the judge’s instructions, as it was deemed not proven.

During the sentencing hearing, McQuade’s defense lawyer, Peter Johnson, emphasized that there was no evidence of any physical contact or sexual activity occurring in the real world, asserting that the entire incident was confined to cyberspace. He stated, “This is something which occurred in cyberspace, but didn’t ever reach what one might, perhaps, call the real world.”

Nevertheless, Judge Peter Armstrong highlighted the dangers of online interactions, remarking, “The trouble with cyberspace is that it tends to have an effect on people in the real world.” As a result, McQuade was sentenced to 12 months in prison, suspended for two years, with an additional two years of supervision. He was also ordered to attend a sex offenders’ treatment program and was placed on the sex offenders’ register. Furthermore, he was prohibited from having unsupervised contact with anyone under the age of 18.

The judge made it clear that the case could have had far more severe consequences had there been any physical contact, stating, “This didn’t lead to any actual physical contact. Had it done so, it may well be that you would be going straight to prison today.” He also acknowledged the role of the girl’s mother and the young girl herself in bringing the matter to authorities, warning that their intervention prevented potentially more serious outcomes.

It was revealed during the trial that McQuade had obtained the girl’s email address from a friend, who had suggested that she was “up for a threesome,” which further encouraged his inappropriate behavior. The court’s decision effectively ends McQuade’s career in the sports industry, especially given the nature of his misconduct involving young people. Judge Armstrong concluded by emphasizing the gravity of the offense and the impact it would have on McQuade’s future, making it clear that his actions had serious repercussions for his personal and professional life.