Andrew Finn

A martial arts instructor from Middlesbrough has been sentenced to six months in prison for voyeuristic offences committed against one of his young pupils. Andrew Finn, aged 55, who operated two karate clubs in the North-East of England, betrayed the trust placed in him by parents when he spied on a girl under the age of 13 as she washed, observing her for his own sexual gratification.

The case came to light leading up to a scheduled trial at Teesside Crown Court, where Finn was originally charged with sexual assault and causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity. However, the trial was abandoned after Finn pleaded guilty to lesser charges of voyeurism and common assault, a plea that was accepted by prosecutors and the victim. The voyeurism involved watching the girl, a pupil at one of his karate schools, on one occasion, while the common assault was also perpetrated against the same child.

Judge Peter Armstrong, presiding at Teesside Crown Court, emphasised the seriousness of the offences during sentencing. "I have no doubt you have done some good work in the sports field with youngsters, but these offences are serious," the judge stated. "You were involved with the karate club and were in a position of trust, and parents are supposed to have confidence in those trusted to mind youngsters." The judge highlighted how Finn had abused his position of authority over the vulnerable child.

In addition to the six-month custodial sentence, Finn was ordered to sign the sex offenders' register for seven years and made subject to a sexual offences prevention order for five years. He was also banned from working with children for five years and prohibited from entering establishments such as gyms, community centres, and leisure facilities. A probation report noted that the married father-of-two showed a lack of insight into his offending behaviour.

Defending barrister Robin Denny argued in mitigation that Finn's guilty pleas had spared the victim the ordeal of giving evidence in court. However, a victim impact statement from the girl's mother revealed the lasting effects of the abuse, stating that it continues to cause ongoing problems for her daughter. This incident is not Finn's first brush with the law; in 2004, he was cleared by a jury of five charges of indecent assault against another pupil he was alleged to have taken to his home.

The case was heard at Teesside Crown Court, with reporting by Neil Hunter for The Northern Echo. Cleveland Police, responsible for the investigation in the region, prosecuted the matter.