sexual offences — A 44-year-old coach has been sentenced to four years in prison after admitting to multiple sexual offences involving two minors aged 16 and 17. The Limassol criminal court found him guilty of serious charges that included obtaining access to child sexual abuse material and soliciting minors for sexual purposes.
The offences occurred during a troubling period between February and April 2025, with further incidents reported in June 2025. The coach exploited online platforms to solicit explicit photos and videos from the minors, offering monetary compensation in return. He not only received material from the victims but also sent them inappropriate content of himself.
In a particularly alarming revelation during court proceedings, it was disclosed that the coach had proposed meeting one of the minors for sexual intercourse, offering €150 for the encounter. Initially, he denied all allegations but changed his plea at the start of the trial after the court had heard evidence from seven prosecution witnesses.
Following his admission of guilt, the prosecution dropped several other charges against him. During sentencing, the court highlighted the seriousness of such offences and the necessity for deterrent measures in the fight against child exploitation. The judges noted with concern the rising trend of child sexual abuse cases, despite existing stringent penalties.
The court imposed concurrent sentences of four years for the child sexual abuse material charges and three years for the sexual abuse offences. Additionally, the coach has been banned from providing services to children for three years post-release. During this time, he will also be restricted from working in environments frequented by children or residing near facilities designated for youth activities.
In light of the severity of his actions, he will remain under the supervision of the relevant authorities both during his sentence and for three years following his release. This case highlights the pressing need for continued vigilance and robust legal frameworks to protect minors from exploitation.
