TRAMPOLINE COACH MICHAEL JOB FROM WALTON-LE-DALE JAILED FOR CHILD SEX OFFENSES IN PRESTON

In a case that has shocked the local community of Walton-le-Dale and the wider Preston area, Michael Job, a 33-year-old trampolining instructor, has been sentenced to prison for engaging in a sexual relationship with a teenage girl he was supposed to be mentoring. The incident came to light after the girl, who was a pupil at a Lancashire-based gymnastics club, confided in a friend following the end of her relationship with Job, prompting her to report the matter to the authorities.

Michael Job, who had previously been associated with the British Gymnastics Association, was considered a trusted figure within the sporting community. He had undergone multiple safeguarding training sessions and had been cleared to work with children, which made the allegations even more damaging to his reputation. Despite his professional credentials and training, Job did not prevent the relationship from developing. According to court proceedings, the relationship began when the girl was just 15 years old and lasted for approximately three years.

Prosecutor Craig Cleminson outlined to Preston Crown Court that the relationship was consensual, with the pair meeting privately at Job’s residence and in his vehicle to engage in sexual activities. The girl kept her relationship with Job secret for some time, but after he ended it, she confided in a friend who advised her to report the matter to the police. Following her disclosure, Job was arrested and subsequently admitted to having sexual relations with the girl.

During the court hearing, Mr. Cleminson emphasized that Job fully recognized the wrongfulness of his actions. He stated, “He fully accepted what he did was wrong and he should have stopped the relationship.” The prosecutor also noted that Job claimed the relationship was a unique case and that he felt a genuine connection with the girl. Importantly, Job admitted that he had initiated the sexual relationship, which he described as a breach of trust and a serious lapse in judgment.

Job pleaded guilty to six counts of engaging in sexual activity with a child. The court was informed that these charges pertained to the period before the girl turned 16, indicating that the relationship was ongoing during her teenage years. The case has had a profound impact on Job’s career, which has now been irreparably damaged, and has left a lasting stain on his previously good character.

Judge Simon Newell, presiding over the case, sentenced Job to two years and three months in prison. In his remarks, the judge condemned the relationship as inappropriate yet also acknowledged that it was carried out over several years and involved a degree of emotional attachment. He reminded Job that he had been properly trained and had a duty to uphold safeguarding policies, which he failed to do. The judge emphasized that Job was fully aware that his actions were wrong and represented a breach of trust that undermined his role as a physical education instructor.

While Job has lost his career and the respect of his community, the judge noted that he still retains the support of his family and friends. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding and the devastating consequences when trust is betrayed by those in positions of responsibility.