NICHOLAS ALLEN JAILED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT IN PLYMOUTH PUBLIC TOILETS

In April 2009, a man with deep ties to the youth football community in Plymouth was sentenced to prison for a serious sexual offense involving a minor. Nicholas David Allen, aged 35, was convicted of raping a 12-year-old boy in a public toilet located in the city. Allen pleaded guilty to one count of raping a child under the age of 13, leading to a prison sentence of five and a half years. The court, however, accepted Allen’s explanation that the boy had initiated the sexual acts and appeared to be approximately 16 years old at the time of the incident.

Details of the case revealed that Allen’s involvement in football was extensive and well-known within the local community. He was previously a manager for the Prince Rock Youth Club’s under-18 team, refereed both adult and junior matches, and for two years was responsible for allocating referees for under-18 games. His commitment to the sport was described as his “absolute passion,” and he held various positions within the Devon Junior Minor League until his resignation in January of that year.

The incident occurred on January 22, when the young boy, dressed in his school uniform and carrying a rucksack, took a route home that included a stop at a public toilet on The Barbican, a popular meeting spot for homosexual men. The court heard that after engaging in a sexual act with Allen inside the toilet, the boy returned home and confided in his mother, who subsequently contacted the police.

It was also revealed that Allen had a history of visiting toilets for sex over the past decade. The court was told that he noticed the boy looking at him at the urinal, which prompted him to leave the toilet and sit outside on a bench. The boy followed shortly after and sat on another bench, repeatedly looking at Allen before re-entering the toilets, where the sexual activity resumed. During the encounter, Allen asked the boy, who was approximately 5 feet 8 inches tall, how old he was. When the boy responded that he was 15, Allen remarked, “This is not a very good idea,” and ceased the activity. The boy, however, insisted, “I’m not bothered,” and the sexual acts continued.

Following widespread media coverage, including reports in The Herald, Allen confided in several acquaintances, including a friend within the police force, about his actions and ultimately turned himself in to authorities. It was also noted that Allen had a prior conviction for gross indecency with a man in a public toilet.

During the trial, Allen’s defense argued that there was no evidence to suggest he was attracted to young people over the years. Police investigations into his computer and personal belongings uncovered no material indicating a sexual interest in children. The court was also told that no force, coercion, or control was used during the incident, and that the boy had initiated the sexual acts.

There was no indication that Allen had ever behaved inappropriately towards children in his capacity as a football coach or involved in youth activities. His lawyer, Ali Rafati, stated, “He made an error in believing his victim was able to consent.”

Judge Francis Gilbert QC addressed Allen directly, noting that he believed the boy to be about 16, which might have suggested he was old enough to consent, but emphasized that Allen should have verified the boy’s age before proceeding. The judge remarked, “The boy seems to have been of a homosexual inclination, and you were alarmed when you found out he was not 16. But clearly you should have learned his age before allowing your lust to overtake your judgment.”

Allen, who was dressed in jeans and a dark navy Adidas T-shirt, listened attentively as the judge sentenced him to five and a half years in prison, deducting 83 days already served on remand. He was also ordered to sign the Sex Offenders’ Register indefinitely and was banned from working with children in the future. The sentence reflected the gravity of his actions and the breach of trust involved in the case.