ROSS CONNOLLY FROM KENT SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE AND INDECENT IMAGES
In December 2011, Ross Connolly, a children’s sports coach based in Kent, was sentenced to a lengthy prison term after admitting to multiple serious charges related to the sexual abuse of a minor and the possession of indecent images of children.Connolly, who resided on Upper Holly Hill Road in Belvedere, was found guilty of engaging in sexual activity with a child, taking indecent photographs of a young boy, and causing a child to watch a sexual act.
His criminal actions spanned across his roles as a sports coach at various primary schools in Bexley and Kent, as well as coaching a children’s football team, which provided him with access to vulnerable young boys.
The investigation was initiated after concerns were raised by the parents of an 11-year-old boy.
They reported that Connolly had been in contact with their son outside of scheduled sports sessions and had sent him inappropriate text messages.
This prompted detectives from the Metropolitan Police’s Child Abuse Command to act swiftly.
On August 26 of the previous year, officers executed a search warrant at Connolly’s residence, where they confiscated his laptop and several mobile phones.
During the search, authorities discovered a disturbing collection of indecent images of children, including video footage of Connolly sexually assaulting a young boy, who was later identified.
The material found on his devices was predominantly images of boys, some of which were of an indecent nature, taken without the children’s knowledge, and others copied from Facebook accounts.
The investigation extended to identify all victims involved, leading to the discovery of two additional children who had been exploited.
On December 20, at the Old Bailey, Ross Connolly was handed an indeterminate sentence for public protection.
He will be ineligible for parole for at least five years and three months.
Additionally, he is mandated to register as a sex offender for life, reflecting the severity of his crimes.
Detective Constable Kelly Ryan from the Child Abuse Command emphasized the predatory nature of Connolly’s actions, stating, “Connolly is clearly predatory and a danger to young boys.
Obviously, his position at the time of his arrest meant that he would have come into contact with children.” She further urged anyone with relevant information to come forward, assuring that all inquiries would be handled with sensitivity and confidentiality.
The police can be contacted at 020 7230 3736 or 020 7230 3527 to provide any pertinent details or to report concerns.
