Daniel Moss ran a football education programme at a school in Bullsmoor

A former football coach has been jailed for sexual offences with a child he was mentoring.

Daniel Moss, 32, of Dacres Gate in Ongar, Esssex, was sentenced on Monday, 20th September at Wood Green Crown Court for two counts of sexual activity with a child by a person in a position of trust.

Moss was sentenced to 16 months’ imprisonment, placed on the Sex Offender’s Register for ten years, and has been barred from working with children under a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

He had previously admitted having a sexual relationship with a student who attended Lea Valley Academy in Bullsmoor Lane, where he was the director of a football education programme.

Moss not only set up the programme, but took part in the coaching of the football and mentoring of the students. He held an influential position at the academy and was able to take advantage of this, starting a sexual relationship with a teenage girl.

Moss encouraged a sexual relationship immediately upon the victim turning 16, having known her for a number of years. He abused his influential, senior position to manipulate the victim and keep their relationship hidden.

Concerned friends of the victim brought the abuse to the attention of school staff. It was thanks to her friends’ courage that these offences came to light. The offences took place between October 2017 and November 2018.

Detective Sergeant Virginia Condren said: “The evidence against Moss proved he took advantage of a young girl and her family’s trust. She had put him up on a pedestal and her vulnerabilities meant he was able to isolate her and make her depend on him.

“He has deceived and devastated those closest to him, those who looked up to him and trusted him.

“He was deemed to be trustworthy by those who worked with him and as such he was able to get away with his criminal behaviour. It was the victim’s friends who became concerned and they were particularly brave in bringing the matter to the attention of the authorities. It is of great relief that Moss will no longer work with children.

“The victim has been supported by her family, friends and police throughout and I know this sentence has been a great relief. Her courage has been phenomenal.

“My thanks extend to everyone who has assisted police with this case and notably Moss’ former friends and colleagues who provided evidence for the prosecution.”

Superintendent Seb Adjei-Addoh added: “Many of those who suffer at the hands of those in a position of trust are too frightened or manipulated to bring their abuse to the notice of authorities.

“If you or someone you know is a victim of abuse, or if you have any information about an offender, please contact police or a responsible person. You will be given every possible support by specially trained officers.”

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