Former Shropshire karate coach jailed for historic sexual offences
Tony Castle sentenced to seven years for abuse against young boys
Tony Castle, a former karate coach from Shropshire, has been sentenced to seven years behind bars for historical sexual offences involving children.
Castle, now 67 and an inmate at HMP Whatton in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty in May 2026 to 10 counts of indecent assault against two boys between 1987 and 2002.
As a karate instructor based in Telford during that period, he abused his position of trust to sexually exploit one of the victims.
The second victim, who was not connected to the karate club, suffered sexual assault from Castle over four years at multiple locations.
Both victims came forward to police in 2024 to report the abuse.
Court Proceedings and Sentencing
Castle received his seven-year sentence at Shrewsbury Crown Court on Wednesday, 17th June.
This sentence is to run concurrently with a 10-year sentence he was already serving since 2024, and follows a previous 10-year sentence for child sex abuse handed down in 2011.
Detective Constable Jake Garratt from Shropshire's Reactive CID highlighted the significant harm caused by Castle's actions.
“This sentence reflects the serious and lasting harm caused by Castle’s offending," Garratt said.
"He repeatedly abused his position of trust as a karate instructor and friend over many years to target and exploit young children, and it is right that he has now been held further accountable."
Garratt commended the courage of the victims for coming forward despite the passage of time, ensuring that Castle faces additional justice.
Support for Victims
West Mercia Police continue their commitment to supporting survivors of abuse, encouraging reports of abuse regardless of when offences occurred.
Advice on child abuse and child sexual exploitation is available on their website, providing resources for those in need.
To report sexual offences and rape, individuals are advised to use the online reporting system or call 999 in emergencies.
For anonymous submissions, contact can be made with Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.