Karate Champion Jailed for Abuse

January 23, 2012

Posted by:Rebecca Sheriff

Liam O’Grady, an international karate champion and martial arts teacher, was jailed last week for 5 years after being convicted of one count of meeting a child following sexual grooming and three counts of sexual activity with a child.

O’Grady of Osbaldwick, York sent the 13 year old girl over 5000 texts including sexual pictures of himself. He also sexually abused her in his car, at his home and in the men’s toilets.

During sentencing the judge stated that had the sexual activity begun when the girl was 12 years old, just weeks earlier, O’Grady would have been convicted of rape.

It would appear in this case that the victim may have a claim for compensation, not just against the Karate Club that she attended and whom employed O’Grady but also O’Grady himself who is likely to have assets with which to pay her.