Ex-football coach Anthony Pickering facing new sexual abuse charges

Ex-football coach, Anthony Pickering, appeared at Carlise Crown Court earlier this week over new sexual abuse charges.

The charges relate to allegations of sexual assaults that took place in the late 1970s and early 1980s when Pickering was a football coach. The complainant was a young boy who attended football sessions in which Pickering assisted.

Pickering faces two charges of attempted serious sexual acts and two charges of indecent assault.

According to the prosecution, Pickering abused his position of trust placed in him by the boy and by his parents when he sexually abused the complainant.

Pickering was convicted of sexual assaults against young boys twice in the past.

In 2018, Pickering received a five-year sentence in relation to sexual offences committed against seven young football players. This sentence was increased by the Court of Appeal to nine years in prison.

Pickering was subsequently prosecuted again in 2020, in relation to further sexual assault charges given a life sentence.

Sadly, sexual abuse by Pickering is not the only documented case of sexual abuse in football.

Bolt Burdon Kemp’s specialist Abuse Team currently represents clients in a number of similar cases, including in claims against Blackpool FC and Manchester City FC.

In March 2021, the Independent Review into Child Sexual Abuse in Football 1970 – 2005 by Clive Sheldon QC established that there were at least 240 known suspects of child sexual abuse within football and nearly 700 survivors.

If you or someone you know experienced sexual abuse by Pickering or any other football coach and want to have a confidential chat, please do not hesitate to contact me to discuss your legal options.