knowing she was under 16

Martial arts instructor admits sex charges with 14-year-old girl

A 43-year-old martial arts instructor pleaded guilty on Monday to sex charges relating to a 14-year-old girl.

Derek James was due to stand trial at Luton Crown Court but instead entered guilty pleas to two charges, thus avoiding the need for the victim to give evidence to the jury.

James, of Rowallan Drive, Bedford, admitted two charges of sexual activity with a child. The allegation is that between December 2007 and April this year he twice had sexual intercourse with the girl knowing she was under 16.

James was remanded in custody and will be sentenced in October at Harrow Crown Court.

The National Association of Karate and Martial Art Schools (NAKMAS) admitted its "robust" child safety procedures had been tested by the case.

James was a senior instructor at the Freestyle Shotokan Karate Association in Bedford.

NAKMAS said it quickly revoked his licence in April, when the charges were brought against him, and assisted the police investigation.

Joe Ellis, chairman of NAKMAS, said: "We were shocked when Mr James' charges came to light and we acted immediately. We regret that the danger he posed could not be identified sooner.

"The vetting procedures and processes we have in place are the most robust in the country. The interests and the safety of the children are our top priority.

"Not only is NAKMAS the only martial arts body to have been awarded national and international British Standard Institute awards for the quality of its management, but its comprehensive child protection policy was drawn up with and has been recognised by the NSPCC."

NAKMAS conducts mandatory Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) checks on all coaches prior to their taking up positions within member clubs. No previous criminal record emerged in relation to James.

Mr Ellis added: "The CRB checks are the most rigorous and regulated instructors go through. Even with this procedure, there was no indication of previous criminal activity.

"The CRB checks will not be 100 per cent effective. For example, they will not reveal the risk someone poses if they have never committed an offence but who goes on to do so. Nevertheless, we will continue to maintain our own child safety standards with regular reviews to keep child protection at the top of the agenda for NAKMAS member clubs."