BURNLEY SCHOOL SPORTS COACH GLYN THOMPSON FACES JAIL FOR SEXUAL OFFENCES INVOLVING 13-YEAR-OLD GIRL
In a case that has shocked the community of Burnley, Glyn Thompson, a 31-year-old sports coach employed at Stoneyholme Primary School, is now facing serious criminal charges after admitting to engaging in sexual activities with a young girl aged just 13.The allegations, which include multiple counts of sexual assault, were heard at Burnley Crown Court, where Thompson pleaded guilty to nine separate charges of sexual activity with a minor.
These offences, which encompass acts of intercourse and oral sex, occurred over a period spanning from 2011 to 2012.
The court was informed that Thompson committed these acts on three different occasions: once at the school premises, once inside his vehicle, and once at his residence.
The details of the case reveal a disturbing pattern of grooming and exploitation, with the young girl being manipulated over an extended period.
During the court hearing, Thompson appeared unshaven and was dressed in a grey T-shirt.
Throughout the proceedings, he kept his head bowed in the dock and only responded when entering his guilty pleas.
His address was noted as Padiham Road, Burnley.
Despite expressing a desire to be sentenced immediately, Judge Jonathan Gibson announced that a further hearing would be scheduled for August 23.
The judge made it clear that Thompson was likely to receive a custodial sentence, emphasizing the severity of the crimes.
Following the hearing, it was confirmed that Thompson had been suspended from his role at the school pending disciplinary action.
The court proceedings also revealed that Thompson would be subject to the sex offenders’ register, reflecting the gravity of his offences.
Prior to the court appearance, Thompson was brought before Blackburn Magistrates’ Court, where it was disclosed that he had developed a relationship with the girl, whom he had known for several years.
The relationship began with emails, which gradually escalated from innocent conversation to flirtation and eventually to exchanging explicit photographs.
The court was told that after a few months, the pair found themselves alone together, leading to a sexual encounter.
It was further explained that Thompson’s conduct was not a single incident but part of a sustained grooming process that culminated in a full sexual relationship.
The case came to light after an anonymous letter was sent to the school, raising suspicions.
Thompson, who was in a relationship at the time and has a young son, was asked to speak voluntarily with police about the letter.
Initially, he made no comment but later returned to the police station voluntarily, where he confessed to the allegations and provided the exchanged emails as evidence.
The magistrates’ court was informed that Thompson, who had no prior convictions, could face a maximum sentence of 14 years in prison.
However, due to the nature and duration of the offences, as well as his position of trust, he was warned that he could expect to serve around six years.
Detective Inspector Paul Broxson of Burnley CID expressed relief that the young girl would not be required to give evidence in court.
He emphasized the department’s commitment to supporting victims and bringing offenders to justice, stating, “Thompson groomed her and took advantage of her.
We take offences of this nature very seriously and will work hard to bring offenders like this to justice.”
