Paedophile tennis coach jailed for 2 years, nine months

Nov 2 2007

Claire Lyte

Tennis coach Claire Lyte was sentenced to two years and nine months today after being convicted on four counts of sexual activity with a 13-year-old girl.

Lyte, 29, from Shirley, Solihull, West Midlands, was also banned indefinitely from working with children.

She was caught performing a sex act on the child, her pupil at the Lawn Tennis Association academy, by the youngster’s mother.

She was convicted last month following a two-week trial at Liverpool Crown Court during which the jury was told Lyte and the youngster, who cannot be named for legal reasons, shared hotel rooms during tournaments.

Lyte had also worn the child’s knickers.

Today the former top 500 player was beginning a new life in jail.

Sentencing, Judge Nigel Gilmour QC said Lyte’s lies were a “wicked” conspiracy against her victim’s family.

He criticised Lyte for trying to avoid justice by claiming the victim’s mother invented allegations against her because the girl was not good enough to turn professional.

He also said her parents had lied in their evidence.

He said: “In attempting to escape conviction you alleged that three generations of the victim’s family were all part of a wicked conspiracy to get you convicted of crimes you hadn’t committed.

“The jury rejected those wicked allegations of yours.

“There wasn’t and never has been such a conspiracy by the family.

“The jury accepted the victim and her family were substantial witnesses of truth and could be relied upon.”

Referring to Lyte’s parents Colin and Gillian, he added: “I am sure your parents in all other respects are wholly admirable members of society, but have given lying evidence to the jury, no doubt at your request and encouragement.”