A former Premier League referee has received a suspended prison sentence after being found with a sexual video of a 15-year-old boy on his laptop. David Coote, aged 43, faced charges relating to the possession of category A material, the most severe classification for such offences. The judge described his situation as a “spectacular fall from grace” for someone who once held a prominent position in professional football.
The video discovered by authorities was approximately two minutes long and depicted a minor in school uniform engaging in sexual acts. Prosecutors presented evidence showing that Coote had transferred this material from a hard drive to his laptop on January 2, 2020. Police seized and examined his devices in February 2025 after an initial investigation into separate conduct issues had drawn public attention.
The court imposed multiple restrictions on Coote as part of his sentence. He received a 10-year sexual harm prevention order that will control his contact with children, dictate where he can reside, and monitor his communications. Additionally, he was required to complete 150 hours of unpaid community work. The judge emphasized that offences involving child abuse cause severe harm to real victims and must be treated with appropriate seriousness.
Coote’s legal representatives argued that personal struggles and mental health issues contributed to his actions at the time. His defence lawyer highlighted that the downloading occurred following a relationship breakdown and during a period of significant emotional difficulty. The defence successfully advocated for a suspended sentence rather than immediate imprisonment, presenting rehabilitation prospects as relevant considerations in sentencing.
Coote’s professional downfall began when an unrelated video emerged in December 2024 showing him making derogatory comments about Liverpool’s manager. This incident led to his dismissal from Professional Game Match Officials Limited and triggered wider scrutiny of his conduct by media organizations. He departed the courthouse through a private exit following the sentencing hearing.
