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Referee David Coote Guilty of Indecent Image Charges

10/17/2025

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Summary

Story summary

David Coote, 43, referee, pleaded guilty on October 14, 2025 to making an indecent image of a 15-year-old boy.
A 2017 investigation cleared him of similar allegations.
Despite this, he returned to officiating and was promoted to Premier League matches within a year.
He faces a potential 10-year sentence, with sentencing scheduled for December 2025.
Judge Nirmal Shant KC warned custody is possible, and he remains on conditional bail.

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Story summary

David Coote, 43, referee, pleaded guilty on October 14, 2025 to making an indecent image of a 15-year-old boy.
A 2017 investigation cleared him of similar allegations.
Despite this, he returned to officiating and was promoted to Premier League matches within a year.
He faces a potential 10-year sentence, with sentencing scheduled for December 2025.
Judge Nirmal Shant KC warned custody is possible, and he remains on conditional bail.