ALAN ROBERTS DARTFORD JUDO COACH BANNED FOR LIFE OVER ABUSE SCANDAL

In a significant development within the British judo community, Alan Roberts, a prominent coach based in Dartford, has been permanently expelled from the sport following serious allegations of sexual misconduct spanning over three decades. The disciplinary proceedings, which took place earlier this year, uncovered disturbing evidence that Roberts was involved in abusing five athletes during his long career, a revelation that has sent shockwaves through the sporting world.

Roberts, renowned for training champions and Olympians, played a pivotal role in establishing the Dartford Judo Club, which has been recognized as one of the leading sports facilities in the United Kingdom. His reputation as a skilled and influential coach was well established until these allegations surfaced, casting a dark shadow over his career.

The British Judo Association (BJA) convened a panel to investigate the allegations, and their findings concluded that over a period of approximately forty years, Alan Roberts manipulated his position, influence, and extensive experience for his own sexual gratification. The panel's decision was based on a 'balance of probabilities,' a standard of proof that is lower than that used in criminal trials but sufficient for disciplinary actions within sporting organizations.

According to Scott McCarthy, the chief executive of the BJA, Roberts was found guilty of sexual assault involving five individuals, two of whom were minors under the age of 16 at the time of the abuse. As a result of these findings, Roberts has been handed a lifetime ban from the British Judo Association. His membership has been revoked, and he has been stripped of his coaching credentials, effectively removing him from the British judo community permanently.

One of Roberts' victims, who began training under his tutelage at the age of 17, disclosed that he was subjected to indecent assaults during lessons that lasted over three years. Speaking anonymously, the victim, identified only as David, shared, “I’ve not told my wife anything in depth – you keep getting reminded of what happened and you want to forget it.” This testimony underscores the lasting trauma inflicted by Roberts during his coaching tenure.

While Roberts is no longer actively involved in coaching, he has expressed intentions to appeal the BJA’s ruling in the future. He reportedly wrote to File on 4, indicating his hope to challenge the decision, though no further legal actions have been confirmed at this time. The case has raised serious concerns about safeguarding within the sport and the importance of vigilance in protecting athletes from abuse, especially in environments where trust and authority are heavily intertwined.