ANDREW CRAWFORD FROM FRESHBROOK FACES JAIL FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF TEENAGE STUDENT IN SWINDON

In a disturbing case that has shocked the local community, Andrew Crawford, a karate instructor residing in Freshbrook, has admitted to engaging in sexual activities with a teenage girl under his tutelage. The incident, which took place between September and October of the previous year, has led to serious legal consequences for Crawford, who now faces the possibility of a lengthy prison sentence.

According to court records, Crawford, aged 36, pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual activity with a child, as well as a charge of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a minor. These charges are specifically linked to the same schoolgirl, who was a student of his martial arts classes. The court proceedings revealed that Crawford, who previously worked as a bouncer at the Kaos nightclub in East Street and holds a fourth dan black belt in Tae Kwon-Do, kickboxing, and Chung Kwon Do, committed these offenses over a two-month period.

The case was scheduled for further hearing on Friday, July 27, to allow the probation service to prepare a pre-sentence report. At present, Crawford has been released on bail under strict conditions, including a ban on any contact with the victim and an obligation to cooperate fully with probation officers. He is also required to register as a sex offender, although the duration of this registration will be determined once the court sentences him.

Judge Douglas Field emphasized that all sentencing options remain open, with the maximum penalty for such offenses being up to 14 years in custody. Crawford’s background in martial arts is notable; he has competed at a high level, including a fifth-place finish at the European Martial Arts Open in 1999, and has taught martial arts across Swindon and North Wiltshire for many years. His reputation as a martial arts instructor was well established, but these allegations have now cast a shadow over his career.

The victim, a teenage girl, bravely shared her ordeal publicly, expressing her hope that her story would encourage others to come forward. She described her relationship with Crawford as initially positive, likening him to a second father figure. However, she recounted how his behavior gradually changed, starting with subtle questions and comments that she found unsettling. She explained that he would sometimes forget what he had said, acting as if he had amnesia, which she found confusing and distressing.

After enduring months of abuse in silence, the girl finally confided in her older sister in October of last year. Her sister encouraged her to tell their mother and the police, which she did. The girl admitted that reporting the abuse was difficult, involving repeated recounting of painful details, but she felt it was necessary to prevent others from suffering the same fate.

The girl’s mother expressed deep sorrow over the situation, revealing how it has devastated their family. She described her daughter’s struggle to cope with the trauma while trying to focus on her exams. The mother also expressed her disbelief and heartbreak, stating that she trusted Crawford to look after her daughter, only to have that trust betrayed. She emphasized the importance of protecting children from predators like Crawford and urged others to speak out if they are suffering in silence, even if they feel unable to tell their parents directly.

As the legal process continues, the community remains concerned about the potential for Crawford to pose a threat to others. The case highlights the importance of vigilance and the need for victims to come forward, regardless of the difficulty involved. The court’s decision and subsequent sentencing will be closely watched, with many hoping for justice and the protection of vulnerable children from individuals who abuse their positions of trust.