JOHN COCKADAY, BOSTON AND TAVERHAM MARTIAL ARTS TEACHER, JAILED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF TEEN GIRLS

In a case that has shocked the local communities of Boston and Taverham, John Cockaday, a 68-year-old martial arts instructor, has been sentenced to three years in prison after being convicted of sexually abusing two girls, both aged 15. The incident has raised serious concerns about trust and safety within youth sports and martial arts circles in the region.

John Cockaday, who resided in Taverham, Norwich, and previously operated a martial arts school in Boston, Lincolnshire, was found guilty by a jury at Lincoln Crown Court in July. Despite his denial of the charges, the court determined that he had engaged in inappropriate and illegal conduct involving the two teenage girls. As part of his sentence, he was also prohibited from working with children and was placed on the sex offenders' register indefinitely, reflecting the severity of his actions and the breach of trust involved.

The court proceedings revealed that Cockaday had used manipulative tactics to groom one of the girls through text messages. The case came to light after police observed Cockaday walking with one of the teenagers, which prompted further investigation. This led to the discovery of a second girl, who disclosed that she had also been 15 when she began a relationship with Cockaday, a relationship that reportedly lasted for several years.

During the trial, Cockaday attempted to justify his actions by claiming that the texts and letters he sent to the girls were intended to make their boyfriends jealous, asserting that he never had a romantic or sexual relationship with either girl. However, the jury was not convinced by his explanations, and the court found him guilty of the charges. Judge Geoffrey Heath, who sentenced Cockaday at Leicester Crown Court, emphasized that his actions represented a serious breach of the trust placed in him as a martial arts instructor and a figure of authority within the community.

This case underscores the importance of vigilance and safeguarding measures in youth sports organizations, especially when individuals in positions of authority exploit their roles for personal gain or misconduct. The communities of Boston, Lincolnshire, and Taverham are now grappling with the aftermath of this disturbing case, which highlights the ongoing need for protective oversight and accountability.