BOXING COACH JAILED FOR EXPLOITING GIRL AND GIVING HER DRUGS
A boxing coach named Robert Sharpley, aged 62 and residing in Abergavenny, has been found guilty of serious sexual misconduct involving a young girl during the early 1990s in Wigan.Police reports indicate that Sharpley abused his authority by coercing the girl into sexual acts, which included drugging her beforehand.
The criminal actions involved forcing her into sex, touching and kissing her during gatherings held at his residence, and showing explicit materials such as sex toys and images depicting bondage.
Furthermore, he took her to a nightclub in Blackpool, where he supplied her with ecstasy before engaging in sexual activity.
The victim reported the abuse in 2018, leading to Sharpley's arrest and court proceedings.
During a hearing at Bolton Crown Court, he pleaded guilty to two counts of indecent assault and received a sentence of 42 months’ imprisonment.
Authorities labeled his behavior as “an abhorrent abuse of power.” Detective Constable Jenna Boye condemned the conduct, emphasizing that Sharpley exploited his trusted position and manipulated a vulnerable girl, warning of the enduring effects on the victim.
Comments after sentencing reiterated the nature of the exploitation and acknowledged the bravery shown by the victim in coming forward.
This case highlights the critical importance of child protection and ensuring justice for victims of abuse.
