March 22nd 2024.
The news of Karate champion Andrew Sherry's sexual assault charges has sent shockwaves throughout the community. Known as a 'hero' to his students, Sherry, a founding member of the esteemed Karate Union of Great Britain, was found guilty by a jury of sexually assaulting two teenage boys.
The court heard that Sherry, now 80 years old, had allegedly indecently assaulted a boy under the age of 16 in the 1980s and committed four counts of sexual assault on an older teenager in either 2011 or 2012. In addition, two other male students came forward with claims that Sherry had propositioned them in the 1990s.
During the trial, it was revealed that Sherry had founded the Red Triangle karate club in Liverpool and had achieved great success and respect in the sport before retiring in 2022 due to a police investigation. His defense barrister tried to discredit the allegations, claiming they were part of a conspiracy by other practitioners who wanted to overthrow their leader.
One of the victims shared that he had given up his promising karate career due to the trauma inflicted by Sherry. He bravely testified that Sherry had asked for 'special favors' from him when he was only 12 to 16 years old. He described how Sherry had taken him to a safari park and made inappropriate comments about monkeys having sex. The victim also revealed that Sherry had promised him money, clothes, and the opportunity to become the best in the sport.
Under cross-examination, the victim denied any ulterior motives and insisted that he was not working with anyone to bring down the Karate Union. Another victim, who was 18 at the time of the assaults, shared that Sherry had massaged his buttocks and kissed him on the lips on multiple occasions. He also recounted how Sherry had asked to 'hold' him and put his arms around him, which he accepted because Sherry was his instructor and he thought he had to obey.
Two other men came forward with allegations that Sherry had propositioned them in the 1990s, although he was not charged with offenses against them. One of them spoke highly of Sherry as an inspirational teacher and his hero. Sherry was granted bail and will be sentenced on May 1st, with the judge requesting a pre-sentence report to gather more information about him.
It is truly heartbreaking to hear about the betrayal and abuse of trust by someone who was once seen as a role model and leader in the karate community. The victims' bravery in speaking out against their abuser is commendable, and we hope that justice will be served for them and their families.
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