JOHN SMITH FROM SPEKE SENT PICTURES TO BOYS IN SHOCKING CASE OF GROOMING AND SEXUAL ABUSE

In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the local community, John Smith, aged 22, was found guilty of engaging in inappropriate and sexual communication with young boys he coached and interacted with in Speke. The allegations came to light after Smith, who was actively involved in youth sports and community activities, was exposed for sending explicit images via Snapchat to minors he had groomed over a period of time.

Smith’s involvement in the community was extensive. He served as a junior football coach for Venny Junior Football Club, based on Conleach Road in Speke, where he trained young players. His role extended beyond football, as he also worked at two local youth centers—Ambrose Youth Base and Speke Community Centre—and was employed at a McDonald's restaurant in the area. Additionally, Smith volunteered as a scout for Everton’s Academy, a position that further highlighted his involvement with youth and community programs.

The allegations surfaced when Smith was suspended by Everton immediately after the accusations were made public, ceasing all formal association with the Premier League club. The case was brought before Liverpool Crown Court, where Smith was convicted on three counts of engaging in sexual communication with a child. The court proceedings revealed that Smith had used Snapchat, an app known for its message deletion feature, to send explicit images to the victims. Prosecutor Peter Killen detailed how Smith not only sent naked pictures but also solicited similar images in return, often questioning the children about their sexuality and feelings for him.

The court heard that Smith, who previously played for Venny JFC, exploited his position by offering extra training sessions to some of the victims, which he used as a means to groom them. The disturbing nature of the case was brought to light during a football match when one of the young players saw Smith and asked another teammate, “what’s that nonce doing here?” The teammate responded by revealing that Smith had sent him a picture of his genitals on Snapchat. This revelation prompted the team’s manager to contact the police, leading to a series of interviews with four boys involved.

One victim recounted that Smith had sent him a picture of himself holding his penis, claiming it was sent by mistake, but then quickly sending another. Smith then asked about the size of the boy’s genitals and whether he had feelings for him. When the boy denied having any feelings, Smith responded, “we can’t talk no more.”

Another victim, who described Smith as both a coach and a friend, explained that Smith had offered extra training and once hugged him until it became uncomfortable. The boy also revealed that Smith messaged him late at night asking if he was naked, and despite denying being gay, the boy received a picture of Smith in the bath. Smith further asked him to “show me your willy,” and when the boy refused, Smith urged him to comply, after which the communication ceased.

The third victim described receiving multiple images of Smith’s genitals, sent in the early hours of the morning, which left him feeling embarrassed and uncomfortable. Smith’s contact with this boy involved questions about his underwear and whether he had engaged in sexual activity, with the victim recalling that Smith sent around seven explicit pictures.

There was a fourth boy involved in the case, but Smith was found not guilty of charges related to him. This boy claimed that Smith had pressured him to do extra training and had sent him a picture of his penis. When questioned about the image, Smith reportedly responded, “I don’t know,” before blocking the boy on Snapchat.

During police interviews, Smith claimed that he had sent the first victim the explicit image by mistake and denied any further inappropriate contact. He accused the children of lying and conspiracy, asserting that he only sent one photo in error and that everyone was “just jumped on the bandwagon.”

Judge Anil Murray sentenced Smith to 18 months in prison, emphasizing that his actions constituted grooming. The judge also imposed a five-year restraining order and ordered Smith to sign the Sex Offenders Register and adhere to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for ten years. The case has raised serious concerns about safeguarding and the responsibilities of those working with children in the community.

In related developments, a parent of one of the victims revealed that Smith had worked as a team leader at the McDonald’s located at Mersey Retail Park in Speke Road. Following complaints from customers, Smith was transferred to a restaurant in Huyton Hey Road, Huyton. McDonald's issued a statement confirming that disciplinary proceedings were initiated immediately upon learning of the allegations, leading to Smith’s suspension and eventual resignation before the conclusion of internal investigations.