ANDREW GOFF AND JACK STEADMAN SHOCK COALVILLE AREA WITH CHILD SEX OFFENSES AND ILLEGAL IMAGES

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the Coalville and surrounding communities, Andrew Goff, a 58-year-old former music teacher from Donington Le Heath, faces serious allegations and legal consequences related to child exploitation and possession of illegal images. Goff, who has a long-standing history with the local community, was convicted in February 2014 of possessing more than 7,000 illicit images depicting minors, along with one count of distributing such material. His actions led to his imprisonment at Leicester Crown Court, where he received a 16-month sentence. Despite his incarceration, discussions have emerged about his potential return to a prominent role within the local cultural scene.

Goff’s criminal activities came to light after police executed a search warrant at his residence on Manor Road, Donington Le Heath, on July 11 of the previous year. During the search, authorities seized his computer equipment, which contained thousands of indecent images of children, categorized across various levels of severity. Additionally, investigators uncovered a handwritten list of boys’ names linked to Dixie Grammar School in Market Bosworth, raising questions about possible connections, although no evidence suggests he abused pupils directly. Goff’s possession and distribution of these images, which included over 5,000 at the most serious levels, highlight the extent of his involvement in child exploitation.

Goff’s partner, Jack Steadman, aged 20 at the time, was also convicted of serious offenses, including the rape of two boys aged six and 12. Steadman was sentenced to a lengthy eight-year detention order, with an additional four years on license, reflecting the gravity of his crimes. Court proceedings revealed that Steadman had downloaded over 20,000 indecent images of children and was involved in multiple sexual offenses against minors. Both men, residents of Manor Road, Donington Le Heath, near Coalville, faced their respective sentences in separate hearings before Judge Robert Brown.

While Goff’s past as a respected music teacher and conductor of the Shepshed Singers—an esteemed choir founded in 1977 known for performing lesser-known choral works—has been well documented, his recent legal troubles cast a shadow over his reputation. Goff had conducted the choir for more than 25 years, even performing at notable venues such as Westminster Abbey. The choir, which has performed at churches across Leicestershire and internationally, was reportedly eager to welcome him back, with some members expressing a desire for his return. Jeni Beasley, the choir’s chairman for over a year, stated, “It is all part of rehabilitation. He has served his sentence and done his time and we are prepared to accept that. We do not see it as a problem.”

However, the decision to reinstate Goff remains under consideration, especially as the choir’s leadership transitions. Richard West, who was appointed as the musical director in September 2014 following Goff’s stepping down, is leaving the group, and a new appointment is expected to be made in April. Beasley emphasized that the group is weighing the issues carefully, noting, “He has spoken to the choir and has been in touch with him during his imprisonment. He has been very open.” The choir’s members are divided, with some advocating for forgiveness and others cautious about the implications of his return.

Goff’s legal history is extensive. In February 2014, he was sentenced to 16 months in prison after admitting to possessing over 7,000 illegal images of children and distributing approximately 700 images. The court was informed that Goff, a peripatetic teacher at various schools across Leicestershire, had no direct evidence of abusing pupils, although authorities found a list of students’ names linked to Dixie Grammar School. Goff’s defense argued that he had no previous convictions, expressed remorse, and had sought help from the Lucy Faithful rehabilitation center to address his issues. Despite this, Judge Brown emphasized the damaging nature of viewing such images, stating, “Those like you who view such images perpetuate a cycle of child abuse because you create a market for such material.”

In addition to his criminal charges, Goff has taken steps to distance himself from contact with children, including securing employment at a fishmongers. His cooperation with authorities and efforts to rehabilitate have been noted, but the court’s verdict underscores the seriousness of his offenses. Goff is now subject to a 10-year sexual offences prevention order and must register as a sex offender for a decade.

Similarly, Steadman’s crimes involved the rape of minors and the possession of thousands of indecent images. His offenses spanned from 2011 to 2013, involving children aged six and 12, and included inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity. His sentence reflects the severity of his actions, with a lifetime requirement to register as a sex offender and an indefinite sexual offences prevention order. The court’s rulings highlight the disturbing nature of these crimes and the ongoing risks posed by both offenders to the community.