HARLOW FOOTBALL COACH ROBERT ELLIS SENTENCED FOR GROOMING AND SEXUAL ABUSE IN ESSEX

In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the community of Harlow, Essex, a local football coach named Robert Ellis has been sentenced to nine years in prison for a series of serious sexual offenses involving underage boys. The court proceedings revealed a pattern of predatory behavior by Ellis, who exploited his position and access to young individuals to commit these heinous acts.

Robert Ellis, aged 50 and residing on Church End in Harlow, was found guilty of multiple counts related to grooming and sexual activity with minors. The court heard that Ellis had posed as a talent scout online, claiming to have an eye for spotting promising football players, in order to lure young boys into his sphere of influence. His deception was aimed at establishing trust and facilitating sexual encounters with his victims.

Ellis was convicted on six counts of engaging in sexual activity with a boy under the age of 15, as well as three counts of sexual touching. One particularly troubling incident involved Ellis engaging in sexual touching with a 14-year-old boy while he was already on bail for previous similar offenses. This demonstrated a blatant disregard for legal restrictions and the safety of the minors involved.

The case was brought before Chelmsford Crown Court, where Ellis faced a jury trial in February. During the proceedings, it was revealed that Ellis had met one of his victims, a 15-year-old boy from Lincolnshire, online in April 2015. He then invited the young man to attend football matches, claiming to have identified him as a talented goalkeeper and offering to coach him. The victim’s mother, who cannot be named for legal reasons, discovered the communication and prohibited her son from maintaining contact with Ellis.

Despite this, the two resumed contact in December 2015, and plans were made to meet again. This led to police intervention after the mother reported the renewed contact. Ellis was arrested in January 2016 before the meeting could occur. Further investigations by Essex Police uncovered another victim, a young man who disclosed that he had engaged in a sexual relationship with Ellis when he was 15. The victim recounted that their relationship involved two instances of sexual activity—one after Ellis took him to Chessington World of Adventures and another following a dinner outing.

Throughout the investigation, authorities also discovered that Ellis had been banned by the Football Association from participating in any football-related activities involving minors since December 2013. Despite this ban, he continued to engage in informal football sessions within Harlow that were not covered by the restrictions. During his time on bail, Ellis met and engaged in sexual touching with a 14-year-old boy, which led to his re-arrest and remand.

On February 28, a jury found Robert Ellis guilty of all charges. Today, on April 7, he was formally sentenced to nine years in prison at Chelmsford Crown Court. Additionally, he will be registered on the sex offenders register for life, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his activities. The case underscores the importance of vigilance and the need for strict enforcement of bans and restrictions designed to protect minors from predators like Ellis, whose actions have profoundly impacted the victims and the community of Harlow.