TYRELL ROBINSON AND KORIE BERMAN SHOCK SOUTH OCKENDON AND BRADFORD WITH CHILD SEX OFFENCES

In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the communities of South Ockendon and Bradford, former professional footballer Tyrell Robinson, aged 23, has been convicted of heinous crimes involving underage girls. Robinson, who once played for Arsenal and later for Bradford City, was found guilty of grooming and engaging in sexual activities with a 14-year-old girl, as well as possessing and distributing indecent images of minors.

The allegations reveal that Robinson had targeted three teenage girls, all aged 14, whom he had groomed over a period of time. The court heard that he, along with his accomplice Korie Berman, 22, from South Ockendon, had lured the girls to Robinson’s flat in Bradford, where they were served vodka and subjected to sexual acts. The incident took place in July 2018, with the girls arriving at Robinson’s city centre flat after consuming alcohol beforehand. Witnesses and evidence indicated that two of the girls were heavily intoxicated upon arrival, and Berman took two of them into a spare bedroom while Robinson took the third into his own bedroom.

One of the victims became ill during the ordeal and was eventually taken to hospital. Despite her condition, Robinson continued to have sexual contact with her until her mother called her mobile, prompting Robinson to stop. In the aftermath, Robinson sent a message to the girl, saying, “Promise me you won’t say anything,” and added, “I don’t understand how come you look so pretty when you’re only 14.”

The court was also shown evidence of the disturbing behavior of the two men on social media. Robinson and Berman exchanged messages on Snapchat, joking about their involvement with underage girls. Berman even messaged Robinson, saying, “Bro, I feel like a paedo,” to which Robinson responded by posting images of police cars and officers, along with a photograph of Berman in bed with the two naked victims. Robinson then sent this image to Berman, describing it as a ‘trophy’ of their illegal activities.

Prosecutor Miss Batts detailed that Berman had researched ‘underage sex,’ and both men were aware of the girls’ ages. The court heard that Robinson had initially befriended one of the victims at a public event, despite being explicitly warned not to attend. He continued to message her, expressing admiration but also acknowledging her age, stating, “I think you are stunning but your age is a killer.”

Robinson’s criminal conduct was further exposed when the police arrested him just 15 minutes before he was scheduled to participate in an EFL Cup match for Bradford City against Macclesfield Town. He was dressed in his football kit at the time of arrest. Berman was apprehended at the flat shortly after the incident was reported by the victim’s mother.

Robinson’s football career was abruptly terminated when Bradford City dismissed him for gross misconduct in February of the previous year. His tenure at the club included 23 appearances and three goals scored between 2017 and 2020. The player had previously been part of Arsenal’s youth academy and had stints with West Bromwich Albion before joining Bradford on a free transfer in August 2017. His potential was considered promising under manager Michael Collins, but his career was overshadowed by these criminal allegations.

Both men faced multiple charges, with Robinson pleading guilty to engaging in sexual activity with a minor, making an indecent image of a child, and distributing such images. Berman initially pleaded not guilty but later changed his plea to guilty on five counts of engaging in penetrative sexual activity with a girl aged 14. The court heard that Berman had also groomed another of the victims and invited her to his flat in July.

Judge Richard Mansell QC sentenced Robinson to three and a half years in prison, emphasizing the significant harm caused to the victims and their families. Berman received a six-year sentence after admitting his involvement. Both men are expected to serve half of their sentences before being released on licence, and they will be required to register as sex offenders.

The case has prompted an inquiry into how background checks failed to prevent these individuals from working or associating with minors, raising concerns about safeguarding procedures. The community continues to grapple with the shock of these revelations, which have cast a dark shadow over the reputation of local institutions and the football community in Bradford and South Ockendon.