David Coote fall from grace: Former Premier League ref sentenced over child image offence
Former Premier League referee David Coote. Image Credit: TouchlineX
Former Premier League referee David Coote has been handed a nine-month prison sentence suspended for two years after pleading guilty to making an indecent image of a child, in a case that has marked one of the most serious scandals involving a top-flight English football official in recent years.
The 43-year-old was sentenced at Nottingham Crown Court on Thursday after admitting to downloading and possessing a Category A indecent video, the most serious classification under UK law, involving a 15-year-old boy.
Court Hears Disturbing Details of Category A Video
The court was told that police discovered a two-minute explicit video on Coote’s laptop during an investigation into his conduct. The footage, dating back to 2 January 2020, showed a schoolboy initially wearing a school uniform before undressing and performing sexual acts.
Prosecutors said the video was recovered after officers seized Coote’s electronic devices in February 2025, following increased scrutiny triggered by unrelated misconduct allegations involving the former referee.
Under UK law, making an indecent image of a child includes downloading, saving, or sharing abusive material.
Judge: ‘A Spectacular Fall From Grace’
Sentencing Coote, Judge Nirmal Shant KC described his downfall as a “spectacular fall from grace”, stressing that such offences involve real children being abused.
She told the court that anyone who views or downloads such material must understand the lasting harm inflicted on victims, adding that the offence could have carried a custodial sentence of up to three years in prison.
Despite this, the judge spared Coote an immediate jail term, citing mitigating factors including his mental health struggles at the time of the offence.
READ ALSO
What is next for Ex-Premier League referee David Coote after guilty plea to a child image offence?
Mental Health Struggles and Cocaine Use Raised in Mitigation
The court heard that Coote was experiencing significant personal difficulties, including the breakdown of a relationship, loneliness, and mental health challenges.
Judge Shant also noted that Coote had been using cocaine, which she said had a direct impact on his thinking, though she made clear that substance abuse was not an excuse for the crime.
Coote was cautioned by police after cocaine was found at his home during the same investigation.
Sexual Harm Prevention Order and Community Punishment
In addition to the suspended sentence, Coote was handed a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order, severely restricting his contact and communication with children, as well as where he is permitted to live.
He was also ordered to complete 150 hours of unpaid work, reinforcing the seriousness of the offence despite the absence of immediate imprisonment.
Career Destroyed After FA and PGMOL Action
Coote was sacked by Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) in December 2024, following the emergence of a separate video in which he made controversial comments about then-Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp.
The Football Association later imposed an eight-week suspension in August 2025 over that footage, which had already ended his refereeing career at the elite level.
Once regarded as one of England’s established Premier League officials, Coote’s professional standing collapsed under the weight of multiple controversies.
‘Deeply Ashamed’: Coote Leaves Court Without Comment
Coote left Nottingham Crown Court via a private exit, declining to answer questions from reporters. His barrister, Laura Jane Miller, told the court he was “deeply ashamed” and had expressed genuine remorse during probation assessments.
She said Coote had endured six years of intense media scrutiny, arguing that rehabilitation, rather than immediate custody, was the appropriate course.
FAQ
Who is David Coote?
David Coote is a former Premier League football referee who officiated top-flight matches before being dismissed in 2024.
What crime did David Coote commit?
He pleaded guilty to making an indecent image of a child, involving a Category A video of a 15-year-old boy.
What sentence did David Coote receive?
Coote received a nine-month prison sentence suspended for two years, alongside a sexual harm prevention order and unpaid work.
Why wasn’t David Coote sent to prison immediately?
The judge cited mitigating factors including mental health issues, personal struggles, and prospects for rehabilitation.
What is a Category A indecent image?
Category A is the most serious classification and includes videos showing penetrative sexual activity involving children.
Was David Coote banned from football?
Yes. He was sacked by PGMOL and suspended by the FA, effectively ending his refereeing career.
Did David Coote comment after sentencing?
No. He left court without speaking, though his lawyer said he was deeply remorseful.
