Ex-karate coach jailed for child sex abuse

Castle abused two male karate students in Telford in the 1990s, police said

A former karate coach has been jailed for 10 years after admitting sexually abusing two students in Telford in the 1990s.

Tony Castle, 65, had earlier pleaded guilty to 12 charges against the boys, including 10 counts of indecent assault.

Castle, of Horninglow Street, Burton-upon-Trent, was sentenced at Shrewsbury Crown Court on 12 April.

Police praised the bravery of his victims for coming forward to report the historical abuse.

The West Mercia force said the court heard it was not the first time Castle had been prosecuted for sexual offences.

In 2011, he was jailed for 10 years by Stoke on Trent Crown Court for sexually abusing children.

The Telford abuse only came to light after the previous case he was jailed for, police added.

Det Con Zoe Defoe said: "This was a really difficult case for the victims, however they were really brave to come forward and speak about their experience.

"I would encourage anyone who has been sexually abused to come forward and speak to us, regardless of when the abuse took place."