DYLAN LAMB SCAWBY SPORTS COACH SENTENCED TO 30 YEARS FOR ABUSING TEENAGE BOYS IN YORKSHIRE AND LINCOLNSHIRE

In a case that has shocked the communities of South Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire, Dylan Lamb, formerly known as Jonathan Haythorne and Jonathan Haythorne Price, has been sentenced to 30 years in prison for a series of heinous sexual offenses committed against five teenage boys. The crimes, spanning from the 1970s to the early 2000s, were carried out under the guise of his roles as a sports coach, exploiting his trusted position to commit acts of gross abuse.

Born and residing in Scawby, Lamb’s misconduct was uncovered after one of his victims, now an adult, came forward in 2016 to police. The victim recounted how Lamb, then known as Haythorne, had begun abusing him at the age of 13 while Lamb was working as a football coach in Swinton, South Yorkshire, and living in Mexborough. Over a period of five years, the abuse persisted, gradually decreasing in frequency as the victim aged.

The investigation revealed that Lamb had changed his name to Dylan Lamb and had been working as a hockey coach at a club near Brigg, North Lincolnshire, when further victims came forward. One of these victims was 15 years old at the time and a player at the hockey club where Lamb was employed. As the inquiry expanded, three additional victims reported that Lamb had also sexually abused them during his coaching activities.

According to police reports, Lamb would often buy meals, birthday presents, and organize group trips, including camping overnight stays, to foster a sense of trust and closeness with his victims. He would invite them to stay at his house or in hotels, creating opportunities for him to be alone with them. It was during these private moments that Lamb committed the horrific acts of abuse, exploiting his position of authority and trust to carry out his crimes.

Detective Constable Kath Coulter, who led the investigation, expressed her appreciation for the victims’ bravery. She stated, “The five survivors, now all adults, have been forced to recount the abuse in detail through a trial, and they have all shown immense courage in standing up to Lamb once again and telling the court what happened to them.”

She further emphasized the significance of the conviction, saying, “I hope that knowing he has been found guilty and is now facing what could potentially be the rest of his life behind bars offers them some comfort.” Coulter highlighted how Lamb’s abuse of trust had a devastating impact, noting that even years later, victims would freeze upon seeing him in social situations, as it would bring back traumatic memories.

The trial, held at Sheffield Crown Court over 13 days, resulted in Lamb being found guilty of 11 counts of indecent assault, five counts of indecency with a child, and five other sexual offenses. The victims ranged in age from 13 to 17 or younger at the time of the abuse.

In her closing remarks, Detective Coulter condemned Lamb’s actions, stating, “He made the victims feel as though no one would believe them, that as a sports coach, he would be the one people would listen to. His abuse of their trust was horrific and unforgivable.” The sentencing reflects the severity of his crimes and the profound impact on his victims, who have shown remarkable resilience in coming forward and seeking justice.