Antonio Lawrie

Antonio Lawrie, a 22-year-old former apprentice at My Coaching in Hedge End, has been sentenced to three years in prison following the overturning of his initial suspended sentence for child sex offences. Lawrie, who previously attended Cantell School, was convicted of seven counts of assault by sexual touching against a seven-year-old girl. The abuse occurred over a six-month period, involving at least 16 attacks, none of which took place during his coaching duties.

The case came to light when a witness reported seeing Lawrie with his hand under the victim's dress, prompting police involvement. During the trial at Southampton Crown Court in April, the young victim was required to provide evidence. A jury found Lawrie guilty on all counts. Initially, in June, Judge Gary Burrell QC imposed a two-year prison sentence suspended for two years, citing Lawrie's complex learning difficulties and vulnerability in prison. The judge stated that Lawrie 'would be taken advantage of physically and mentally' if sent to custody immediately. Lawrie was also ordered to complete rehabilitation activities and was placed on the Sex Offender's Register for 10 years.

The Crown Prosecution Service appealed the sentence, deeming it unduly lenient. The Solicitor General, Robert Buckland QC MP, referred the case to the Court of Appeal, emphasising that Lawrie had conducted 'a campaign of sexual assault against a young girl' and continued to pose a threat to other children. Yesterday, judges at the Court of Appeal in London quashed the suspended sentence and imposed an immediate three-year custodial term. Buckland commented: 'I hope that she will take some comfort from the increased sentence today. Lawrie continues to pose a threat to other children, and it is therefore important that he serves an immediate custodial sentence.'

Following the allegations, My Coaching, a firm delivering further education programmes for teenagers, promptly sacked Lawrie and was later commended by Hampshire Police for their swift actions. In mitigation at the original sentencing, Jon Swain argued that while some in society demanded harsh punishment, they lacked understanding of Lawrie's needs and background, stating: 'Certain sections of society will say he must be punished and locked up with the key thrown away. But they are not aware or have the knowledge of what his needs are. They know nothing about his life but make up opinions of what he has done.'

This case, reported by the Daily Echo, highlights the judicial review process for unduly lenient sentences and the ongoing efforts to protect children from sexual exploitation. The abuse took place in the Southampton area, with proceedings handled under Hampshire jurisdiction.