ANTHONY CHATTELL SHOCKS PRESTON WITH CHILD SEX OFFENCES INVOLVING LOCAL TEENS
In a disturbing case that has rocked the community of Preston, Lancashire, Anthony Chattell, a well-known football coach, has been convicted of a series of serious sexual offences involving underage girls.The 27-year-old, who was once regarded as a reputable figure in local sports circles, has now been sentenced to six years and four months in prison for his actions.
Chattell, who held an FA accreditation and possessed a degree in sports coaching, was accused of grooming four teenage girls aged between 13 and 15 during his tenure at various football clubs across Lancashire.
His misconduct extended beyond grooming, as he engaged in inappropriate physical contact, including groping and kissing a teenage girl while giving her a lift home.
Additionally, he sent one victim a video of himself performing a sex act, further demonstrating his predatory behavior.
Investigations revealed that Chattell repeatedly urged the girls to send explicit photos of themselves, often in underwear or nude, exploiting their trust and youth.
One particularly alarming message was sent at 2 a.m., in which he texted a girl, saying, “You look good tonight.
Not happy you are under 16.
Any chance?
I want to meet you.
I will find a purpose.” These messages underscored his persistent attempts to initiate sexual encounters with minors.
Chattell pleaded guilty to multiple charges at a previous hearing, including engaging in sexual activity with a child, making indecent images of children, inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, and attempting to facilitate sexual acts.
Prosecutor Paul Brookwell told Preston Crown Court that one of the victims felt uncomfortable and described Chattell as “weird and creepy,” highlighting the impact of his actions on the young girls.
During sentencing, Judge Pamela Badley emphasized the contrast between Chattell’s academic and sporting achievements and his subsequent descent into criminal behavior.
She noted that despite his qualifications, including a UEFA B coaching license and a degree in sports coaching, he had embarked on a “downward spiral” of sexual misconduct.
The judge expressed regret over the damage caused to his reputation and the devastating effect on his family, while reaffirming the seriousness with which such offences are treated.
A mother of one of the victims expressed her disillusionment, stating, “When Mr.
Chattell took over as coach, I believed he had her best interests at heart and thought of him as a good friend.
I now believe he used the trust to build up an inappropriate relationship with my daughter.
His actions took away her innocence.” Chattell’s background includes work with several clubs, such as Preston North End Women’s FC, Runshaw College, and Accrington Stanley Football Club.
His professional credentials and sporting achievements made his criminal conduct all the more shocking to the community.
The court also ordered that he be subject to sex offender notification requirements, and he was released on bail with strict conditions, including restrictions on social media use and contact with minors.
Preston Crown Court has scheduled his sentencing for June 5, where the full extent of his punishment will be determined.
Authorities continue to urge anyone with information related to sexual abuse or who has been victimized to come forward, assuring the public that all reports will be handled with the utmost sensitivity and thoroughness.
