TONY CASTLE FROM LONGTON SHROPSHIRE SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF TWO BOYS

In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the local community, Tony Castle, a well-known karate coach from Longton, Shropshire, was sentenced to a total of ten years in prison for the sexual abuse of two teenage boys. The court proceedings revealed a pattern of grooming and inappropriate conduct that spanned over several years, highlighting the severity of his actions.

Castle, aged 52, who operated the TSC Martial Arts and Day Centre in Longton, was found guilty of sexually abusing his young victims, one of whom resides in North Staffordshire. The abuse included acts of sexual touching, hugging, and kissing, which took place over an 18-month period. Some of the misconduct reportedly occurred at Castle’s residence in Normacot, adding a layer of betrayal given his role as a trusted instructor and community figure.

Throughout his career, Tony Castle, also known by the alias Tony Boltonwood, had established himself as a prominent figure in martial arts. He had taught hundreds of children and teenagers at various clubs located in Wellington, Ellerdine, and Market Drayton. Additionally, he held the position of landlord at the Wheatsheaf pub in Soudley. His reputation was built on years of instructing and competing, with his career reaching a notable peak when he won the European Grand Prix Series in 2000.

Castle’s involvement in the community extended beyond martial arts, as he was also involved in local social life, which unfortunately facilitated his grooming of vulnerable young boys. The court heard that on one occasion, Castle engaged in sexual activity with one of his victims after they watched a pornographic video together, further illustrating the manipulative nature of his conduct.

His arrest came on January 21, after one of the boys confided in his parents about the abuse. Castle, who resides on Hamilton Road, admitted to the charges, which included three counts of sexual activity with a child, causing a child to watch a sexual act, and multiple counts of sexual assault. During sentencing, Judge Robert Trevor-Jones described Castle’s actions as “gross sexual abuse of two young boys” and emphasized the betrayal of trust involved.

In his remarks, the judge stated that Castle had set up his martial arts school and classes under the guise of being an inspirational role model, but used that position to groom his victims. The court was told that Castle’s conduct posed a significant danger to children, and as a result, he was ordered to serve five years in prison, followed by another five years on license. Furthermore, Castle was placed on the sex offenders’ register for life and was indefinitely barred from working with children.

Following the conviction, police investigations revealed that up to 60 children and young adults had been contacted as part of the inquiry into Castle’s activities. Detective Sergeant Simon Caton, from Staffordshire Police’s child protection unit and the lead on Operation Octagon, commented on the case, saying, “This was a complex and sensitive investigation. Castle has been given a long sentence which has meant further victims are going to be protected from what is a dangerous and manipulative sex offender.”

Castle’s long-standing involvement in karate began at the age of four, and he had been instructing for approximately thirty years, balancing his coaching career with his own competitive pursuits. His most notable achievement was winning the European Grand Prix Series in 2000, a highlight that underscores his prominence in the martial arts community. Despite his achievements, his actions have now overshadowed his career, leaving a community in shock and a trail of victims seeking justice.