In 2021, the Offender Database recorded that 22-year-old Tyrell Robinson—of South Ockendon, Essex—was sentenced for sexual offences against a 14-year-old girl. Robinson appeared at Bradford Crown Court alongside co-accused Korie Berman, who also admitted to his role in the abuse. It was reported that the investigation established Robinson, a former professional footballer for Bradford City, engaged in sexual activity with the minor in August 2018 and utilised Snapchat to create and circulate indecent images of the victim.
The investigation established that Robinson’s professional career was terminated for gross misconduct by Bradford City immediately following the charges. The prosecution reported that Robinson had groomed the 14-year-old before engaging in the illicit acts. Bradford Crown Court heard that the legal proceedings were delayed until early 2021 to allow for the co-accused, Berman, to enter his final pleas, ensuring both individuals faced sentencing for their “reprehensible” conduct simultaneously.
Judicial Findings and Investigative Detail
The court reported that Robinson’s status as a professional athlete provided him with a level of influence that he exploited to target the vulnerable teenager. The investigation established that the digital element of the crime—specifically the distribution of abuse images—added a significant layer of harm to the victim’s trauma. The prosecution reported that Robinson’s fall from the professional leagues was a direct consequence of his “predatory and illegal” choices.
Judge-led proceedings at Bradford Crown Court concluded in January 2021, with Judge Richard Mansell QC overseeing the sentencing of Robinson and Berman. For his actions in August 2018 and the “betrayal of his public profile” reported, Robinson was handed a custodial sentence. The judge noted that the severity of the offences against a 14-year-old necessitated long-term notification requirements and a permanent ban from working in any capacity with young people.
Status and Statutory Requirements
For the records reported in West Yorkshire and Essex, the status of Tyrell Robinson as of April 10, 2026, was as follows:
- Custodial Status: RELEASED ON LICENCE (Sentenced to 3 years and 6 months in 2021; served custodial term; currently under high-risk community supervision).
- Sex Offenders Register: Notification requirements are active (Standard period for custodial sentences of this length, likely 7 to 10 years or active for LIFE depending on the specific conviction details).
- SHPO Status: Subject to an INDEFINITE Sexual Harm Prevention Order (Including strict digital monitoring and a ban on unsupervised contact with minors).
- DBS Status: Placed on the Barring List (Indefinite ban on working with children or vulnerable adults; specifically barred from professional and amateur sports coaching).
- Legal Status: CONVICTED (Engaging in sexual activity with a child; Making and distributing indecent images).
- Judicial Oversight: Sentenced at Bradford Crown Court; investigated by West Yorkshire Police.
- Criminal Record: Former Bradford City footballer; Sacked for gross misconduct; Groomed a 14-year-old; Distributed abuse images on Snapchat.
- Origin: South Ockendon, Essex / Bradford, West Yorkshire.
Monitoring and Public Protection
Robinson is managed as a high-risk registered sex offender within the Essex area. Due to the nature of his conduct—specifically his “exploitation of a professional athlete persona to target a 14-year-old”—his management is a priority for the Essex Police Public Protection Unit. Authorities state that his history of distributing material via social media identifies him as an individual who requires the most intensive tier of statutory digital oversight to ensure he does not utilise his public profile or social media to re-offend.
As a registered sex offender, the 27-year-old’s details are permanently logged on the national police database. Authorities state that his permanent barring from sports coaching is a vital safeguard to prevent him from regaining a position of trust over young fans or players. Any change of residence in South Ockendon or elsewhere, any attempt to bypass his SHPO digital monitoring, or any unauthorised proximity to children will result in immediate arrest to ensure the ongoing safety of the public from a man who demonstrated a “predatory and self-serving intent.”
QUESTION – Given that the offender used his status as a “professional footballer” to gain the victim’s attention, do you believe that “Abuse of Public Profile” should be a mandatory statutory aggravating factor that leads to an automatic life sentence for child sexual offences?
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