Story perspectives

Former Referee Pleads Guilty to Child Indecency Charges

10/14/2025

Summary

Story summary

David Coote, a former Premier League referee, pleaded guilty to making an indecent image of a child at Nottingham Crown Court.
The charge involves a Category A video, the most serious type, discovered during a police investigation in February 2023.
Coote, 43, was granted conditional bail with restrictions on unsupervised contact with children until his sentencing on December 11, 2023.
He was previously dismissed in December 2024 after making derogatory comments about ex-Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp.

History

Historical Context

The Child Protection Act of 1988 was enacted in the UK to address rising public concern over child exploitation, following earlier legislation like the Protection of Children Act 1978. Reports indicated over 1,000 indecent images were seized annually, highlighting ongoing challenges. David Coote's recent guilty plea for possessing a Category A video may prompt renewed scrutiny of child protection measures and accountability for those in authority.

1 of 2

Story summary

David Coote, a former Premier League referee, pleaded guilty to making an indecent image of a child at Nottingham Crown Court.
The charge involves a Category A video, the most serious type, discovered during a police investigation in February 2023.
Coote, 43, was granted conditional bail with restrictions on unsupervised contact with children until his sentencing on December 11, 2023.
He was previously dismissed in December 2024 after making derogatory comments about ex-Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp.

1 / 2