SEAN STIFF FROM BURTON AND CHURCH BROUGHTON JAILED IN SPAIN FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF GIRL

In a case that has shocked communities across Staffordshire and Spain, Sean Stiff, a British golf professional with ties to Burton and Church Broughton, has been sentenced to nine years in prison in Spain for the sexual abuse of a young girl over a period of five years.

Stiff, aged 40, previously worked as a golf professional at Branston Golf and Country Club in Burton, as well as at Manor Golf Club in Kingstone and Broughton Heath Golf Club in Church Broughton. His career took him abroad approximately seven years ago, where he settled on the Costa del Sol and became involved with several golf clubs, including Cabopino Golf Club in Marbella and later as head professional at El Chaparral Golf Club in Mijas Costa near Fuengirola. Most recently, he was associated with El Soto de Marbella golf club, where he was known to teach golf, organize competitions, and establish a children's golf academy.

The victim, a girl now aged 14, was unable to be named due to legal restrictions. She was a student at the golf academy run by Stiff at El Soto de Marbella, where she learned to play golf. According to her family, who are originally from England, she confided in her mother that Stiff, who was well known and respected in the local golf community, had been abusing her since she was just eight years old. The family was devastated upon learning of the allegations, which came to light approximately a year ago.

The girl’s mother recounted the moment her daughter reached out to her at work, revealing the disturbing truth. She said, “She rang me up at work and said she needed to talk to me. I went to see her and she told me: ‘Sean’s a paedophile.’ She said this had been happening since she was eight.” The family was in shock, as Stiff was widely admired in the golf circles, and no one had suspected any wrongdoing.

Following her revelation, the mother confronted Stiff directly. She recalled, “I confronted him about it and he didn’t deny it. He said he wanted to go and get help but there’s no therapy for something like that.” Despite his admission, Stiff’s actions led to his arrest and subsequent conviction in Spain. The court sentenced him to nine years behind bars after he admitted to the sexual abuse.

The impact on the young girl has been profound. Her mother described her ongoing struggles, stating, “She’s had so many problems and started cutting herself — she didn’t know how to take away the pain.” The girl is currently on medication to aid her sleep, and her mental health issues have affected her eating habits and her ability to focus on her education. She is described as very secretive, unable to trust easily, and overwhelmed by feelings of guilt, believing she could have prevented the abuse.

The mother expressed her anguish, saying, “I don’t think I would be happy with whatever sentence he got, because nothing’s ever going to stop what my daughter is going to suffer for the rest of her life. It’s just been hell. I can’t begin to describe what it’s been like.” She also emphasized the ongoing emotional toll, noting her daughter’s self-harming behaviors and the difficulty she faces in coping with the trauma.

As the legal proceedings concluded, the community and the families involved continue to grapple with the aftermath of this tragic case. The case highlights the importance of vigilance and the devastating consequences when trust is betrayed by someone in a position of authority and respect within the community.