A FORMER youth team coach has been jailed for seven years after admitting to a string of child sex offences.

Nathan Smith, 27, was jailed at Chelmsford Crown Court on August 11 after pleading guilty to 13 charges.

It is understood that Smith had coached at a number of sports clubs in the district.

He admitted three charges of causing or inciting a child under 16 to engage in sexual activity without penetration on December 28, 2013, and March 30 and April 4, 2014.

He also admitted two charges of causing or inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity by penetration on July 22 and 23, 2014.

He also admitted five charges of causing or inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity without penetration on September 28, October 12, November 17 and 21, 2014, and on March 29, 2015.

He pleaded guilty to three charges of causing or inciting a child under 16 to engage in sexual activity, without penetration, on January 24, February 20 and 22, 2015.

Smith, of of Fleetwood Avenue, Holland-on-Sea, denied two charges of making an indecent photograph or pseudo photograph of child. Those charges were left to remain on file.

Smith was jailed for a total seven years. His computer was forfeited and a sexual harm prevention order was imposed.

He will also be placed on the Sexual Offences Register for an indefinite period.

A spokesman at one of the clubs where Smith had coached said: “All our coaches are subject to enhanced FA Criminal Record Checks (CRC), as was the coach in question.

“That CRC is renewed every three years, as it had been for the coach in question.

“This shows the failure in the CRC system. If the check has come back clear, it can mean someone has just not been caught yet.

“We are still in shock about this and are struggling to come to terms with it.”

A spokesman for the Essex County Football Association said it takes the safeguarding and welfare of young people very seriously.

He added: “It’s vital every child or young person who plays or participates in football should be able to take part in an enjoyable and safe environment and be protected from abuse.

“This is the responsibility of every adult involved in football, and every club is required to endorse and adhere to the FA’s Safeguarding Children Policy. At the beginning of each season, all clubs name a Club Welfare Officer.”

“We recognise that, without volunteer Club Welfare Officers, football in Essex wouldn’t have as many safeguards in place. These people are Criminal Records Check checked and they will have, or will be, attending a Safeguarding Children Workshop enabling them to be able to deal with welfare issues.

“All those involved in the welfare aspect are working hard to provide the best possible environment for young people to participate in football.”