Paedophile tennis coach is jailed for sex with girl of 13

A female tennis coach who sexually abused a girl of 13 was jailed for two years and nine months yesterday.

Claire Lyte, a former Young Coach of the Year, denied four counts of sexual activity with a child but was berated by a judge for lying to try to avoid conviction. The 29-year-old was banned from working with children and made to sign the sex offenders' register.

Judge Gilmour QC, sitting at Liverpool Crown Court, said Lyte's attempts to cover up the affair by accusing the girl's family of conspiring against her were "wicked". "There was not and never has been such a conspiracy," he said. He also accused Lyte's parents, Colin and Gillian, of lying.

He told the coach: "I am sure your parents in all other respects are wholly admirable members of society but [they] have given lying evidence to the jury, no doubt at your request and encouragement."

The victim's family, from Merseyside, found out about the relationship when the mother caught her daughter and Lyte in bed together. The teenager, who cannot be identified, had a bright tennis future, jurors heard.

Lyte, of Shirley, Solihull, began a relationship with the girl after they met at a tennis academy at Loughborough University. She slept in the same room as her victim while attending tournaments.

Judge Gilmour added: "The girl's family expected you to look after her and she was entrusted in your care. You corrupted that girl and advanced her experiences of sexual matters by some years."