Latics starlet on child sex charges

Photo: Darren Robinson

Jack Tuohy

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AN Oldham Athletic footballer appeared in court yesterday for alleged grooming and sexual activity with an under-age girl.

Jack Tuohy (19), of Oldham, was charged with five offences against the 14-year-old between May 1, 2015, and October 18, 2015, whom he met at an awards ceremony. She has claimed Tuohy knew her age.

The charges include one of grooming a girl under the age of 16, two of engaging in sexual activity with a girl under the age of 16 and two of causing a girl under the age of 16 to engage in sexual activity. One of these charges relates to intentionally causing or inciting the girl into sending him indecent photographs of herself.

Tuohy did not enter a plea and spoke only to confirm his name, age and address at Oldham Magistrates' Court.

The charges have been referred to Manchester's Minshull Street Crown Court on June 23 under bail conditions that he does not contact the alleged victim in this case.

Neil Joy, director and chief executive at Oldham Athletic, said: "The club was informed that Jack Tuohy had been charged with several offences under the Sexual Offences Act 2003 on April 27, 2016, and with immediate effect suspended his employment until further notice.

"As this is now a matter for the courts the club will not be commenting further."

Tuohy made his debut for Latics at the age of 18 as a substitute against Peterborough which saw his father just miss out on a £25,000 bet he made when Jack was five that he would make his professional debut before the age of 18.

He has since played for Latics as a substitute at Shrewsbury Town and again at Barnsley.

As a youngster he signed for Blackburn Rovers who at the time were a Premier League club however it didn't work out and he was spotted by Latics when he was 14 at county trials and since then rose through the ranks.