A FOOTBALL coach who sexually abused three boys has been jailed.

Robert Ellis, 50, of Church End in Harlow, was given a nine year sentence today (April 7) at Chelmsford Crown Court after denying the charges.

Ellis, who claimed to have talent spotted goalkeepers, groomed a 15-year-old victim from Lancashire throughout 2015, offering to coach him and inviting him to football matches.

Ellis then played football in the park with the same victim in July 2015, before taking him for a meal.

After finding out about the incident, the boy’s mother phoned the police and stopped the boy from contacting him again.

In December 2015, they arranged to meet again. Ellis was reported to the police and arrested before the meeting could take place.

Police later found out that Ellis had twice sexually abused another 15-year-old after taking him to Chessington and then out for dinner.

While on bail, Ellis was arrested after meeting a 14-year-old and sexually touching him.

Ellis was banned by the Football Association (FA) in 2013 from taking part in any activity involving under 18’s. He continued to take part in football session in Harlow that were not covered by his ban.

Ellis denied one charge of meeting a boy aged under 16 following grooming, six counts of engaging in sexual activity with a boy under 15 and three counts of sexual touching.

He was also given a sexual harm prevention order and will be on the sex offenders register for life.

Detective sergeant Clayton Ford said: “This is a worrying grooming case where Ellis used his love of football and the suggestion of gifts or trips to various places to try to get a teenage victim into a situation where he could carry out sexual acts with him.

“This case highlights the dangers of manipulative individuals operating on the internet looking to identify and exploit vulnerability or a common interest that will give them the opportunity to meet children for their own sexual gratification.”