Soccer star Tyrell Robinson had sex with minor girl and shared pics on Snapchat, faces jail after guilty plea
Professional soccer player Tyrell Robinson pleaded guilty on Tuesday, June 16, to having sex with a minor as well as sharing indecent images of the 14-year-old on Snapchat. The Bradford Crown Court warned the 22-year-old from South Ockendon, Essex that he could face jail time before he confessed to the charge of engaging in sexual activity with a child, making an indecent image of a child and distributing an indecent image of a child. He further said that all three offenses was committed by him on August 13, 2018, in Bradford. However, the court also heard that he denies distributing an indecent photograph of a child in December 2017, which was an additional charge placed on him that has presently been dropped by the prosecutor.
The winger was sacked by Bradford City for gross misconduct after he was charged by police in February.
He appeared at court on Tuesday wearing a black face mask, white trainers, a dark red coat and cropped, grey, checked trousers. He was ordered by the judge to sign the register for sex offenders after his plea and was granted bail till his sentencing at a date that has not been disclosed. "Dealing with you Robinson, you pleaded guilty to all matters save the last count. The prosecution will not seek to try you on that count. Your case is now adjourned to be sentenced. You must not assume that the fact that I'm adjourning sentence and granting you bail is to mean that any particular sentence will be imposed upon you," Judge Jonathan Rose said.
Following his confession of guilt, many of his supporters came forward to express their disappointment on his misconduct saying that the athlete had “thrown away” a promising career in sports and must now “face the consequences” for his “stupidity.” Editor of Bradford City Fanzine, Mike Harrison tweeted Monday: "Waste of a promising career but one imagines that he has only got himself to blame. Bcafc hierarchy vindicated for suspending him after he was arrested despite not being charged till 18 months later."
After Robinson was arrested in 2018, Bradford City Football Club said in a statement that he was being sacked for gross misconduct. "Bradford City Football Club has parted company with Tyrell Robinson. This comes after West Yorkshire Police confirmed charges had been brought against Robinson, following his arrest in August 2018. Robinson has been dismissed from the remainder of his contract on grounds of committing gross misconduct. The club will be making no further comment on the matter. All options will be open to the judge who deals with your case, and that will very much include the possibility of a prison sentence," the statement said.
There is also a second defendant in the case - Korrie Berman, 21, from Essex - who pleaded not guilty to five charges of engaging in penetrative sexual activity with a child. His trial date is set for April 12, 2021.
The footballer, who can play left-back or left-wing, came through Arsenal's academy and moved to West Bromwich Albion. He then joined Bradford on a free transfer in August 2017. According to the Sun, Robinson was earmarked for big things under manager Michael Collins.
