discount equipment for sUbscribersKARATE INTERNATIONAL JAILED FOR FIVE YEARS FOR UNDERAGE SEX

(Caption): Liam O'Grady found guilty of abusing 13-year-old girl

By Martial News Reporter

SHOTOKAN Karate international Liam O'Grady has been jailed for five years for sex abuse.

The Karate Union of Great Britain international was jailed at York Crown Court for grooming and sexually abusing a 13-year-old female student.

He had previously been found guilty by a jury.

The judge in the trial, York Recorder Judge Stephen Ashurst said he had grossly breached the trust of the girl's parents.

O'Grady, 30, originally of Larchfield, Osbaldwick, York, had sent the girl nealy 5000 texts to the girl including sexual pictures of himself. 

The court last month had heard that he had abused her in the men's toilets, his home and also his car. He was found guilty of one count of meeting a child following sexual grooming and three of sexual activity with a child.

At the sentence hearing he was told by Judge Ashurst that if she had been 12-years-old at the time of the abuse he would have been sent down for rape.

O'Grady, who has won both world and European medals, was also told that he was still in denial at what he had done.

During his martial arts career he had taught hundreds of children in the York area.

He was placed on Sexual Offenders Register and has been banned from working with children. He was also given an indefinite Sex Offenders Prevention Order restricting his access to female children.

He had moved from the York area to Flintshire, Wales, after he had been charged.

Even after he was found guilty he protested his innocence. It is unclear yet if he will appeal against his conviction.

The KUGB expelled O'Grady from its ranks soon after the sentence had been passed.

CLUBS GATHER FOR FINAL GRAND PRIX

CLUBS from across Scotland gathered for the final Karate Grand Prix of the year.

Teams from Glasgow, Irvine, Ayrshire and Dundee took part in the event held ar Castlepark Community Centre.

Ran by the Scottish Karate Alliance, the event is one of a number held throughout the year.

It was hosted by the Burakudo Karate Club.

SKA President Sensei Bill Hair thanked all the officials, medics and competitors for making the competition a successful event.

Burakudo Karate Club are currently welcoming new beginners ranging from primary school children to adults. 

The club meets at the Castlepark Community Centre on Wednesday from 4.30pm and Thursday from 7.30pm. And also at the Lanfine Community Centre on Sunday from 1.30pm and Tuesday from 4.30pm.

For further information phone Bill on 07979 222986.

FORMER SOLDIER SETS UP FULL TIME CLUB

A EX-serviceman has used grant money to set up a dojo.

Kevin Blewitt, of Shiney Row, Sunderland, received £9000 from the National Lottery to set up the Karate club.

It is part of the Kazen Kai North East association which has clubs throughout the North East.

The club trains at the Holy Family Church Hall, Glanmore Road, Shiney Row, every Wednesday and Saturday.

For further information phone Kevin on 07939 011255