Further sentence for karate coach who abused boys

A former karate coach has been handed a further sentence after admitting historical sexual abuse against two boys.

Tony Castle, 67, pleaded guilty to carrying out 10 counts of indecent assault against the boys between 1987 and 2002 when he was a karate teacher based in Shropshire.

The first victim was a pupil of Castle, but the second was not and was abused during a four-year period at a number of locations, West Mercia Police said.

At Shrewsbury Crown Court, Castle was jailed for seven years to run concurrently with a 10-year sentence handed to him in 2024 for similar offences.

He is serving the earlier sentence, for sexually abusing two other boys, at HMP Whatton in Nottinghamshire.

But further convictions predate it.

In 2011, Castle received a 10-year sentence for historical sex offences against children, police said.

In the latest case, both victims reported the abuse to police in 2024.

Following Wednesday's sentence, Det Const Jake Garratt said it reflected the "serious and lasting harm" caused by Castle.

He said Castle "repeatedly abused his position of trust" and "it is right that he has now been held further accountable".

He added: "I would like to commend the courage of the victims in coming forward, particularly given the significant passage of time, as their bravery has ensured a dangerous offender faces additional justice.

"We remain committed to supporting survivors and will always take reports of abuse seriously, no matter when the offences occurred."

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