David Coote Admits to Making Category A Indecent Image of a Child at Nottingham Crown Court

Nottingham, UK — October 15, 2025: Former Premier League referee David Coote, aged 43, has pleaded guilty to making a Category A indecent image of a child at Nottingham Crown Court, marking a devastating fall from grace for one of English football’s former top officials.

The court heard that the Category A video was discovered by Nottinghamshire Police during a February 2025 search of Coote’s home. The discovery followed a Football Association (FA) misconduct referral, which led to a wider investigation into his online behaviour.

Court Hearing and Guilty Plea

Appearing before Judge Nirmal Shant KC on October 14, 2025, Coote admitted to making a Category A video of a child, the most serious offence under UK child protection law.

The footage, found on a hard drive seized from his property, was verified as a Category A recording under the Protection of Children Act 1978, which criminalises the creation and possession of indecent images or videos of minors.

Judge Shant told Coote during the hearing:

“You have pleaded guilty to an offence of the highest seriousness. You should be prepared for the likelihood of a custodial sentence.”

The judge ordered pre-sentence reports and psychological evaluations to aid in determining the appropriate punishment. Sentencing has been scheduled for December 11, 2025.

Until then, Coote remains on conditional bail, restricted from unsupervised contact with minors and subject to limited internet access.

Discovery and Investigation

The indecent material was found during a police search of Coote’s Nottinghamshire home in February 2025. Detectives from Nottinghamshire Police’s child protection and cybercrime unit examined electronic devices after the FA referred allegations of misconduct involving Coote’s behaviour online.

Digital forensic teams later uncovered a single Category A video file, leading to his arrest and formal charge.
Police sources confirmed that there was no evidence of large-scale image storage or distribution, but emphasised that any act of making such material constitutes a serious criminal offence.

Nottinghamshire Police stated that cases involving child exploitation are treated with the utmost seriousness, noting that each indecent image or video “represents the real abuse of a child.”

Legal Context: What a Category A Offence Means

Under UK law, indecent images of children are categorised into A, B, and C, depending on severity.

• Category A covers penetrative acts or acts involving extreme abuse.

• Category B includes non-penetrative sexual activity.

• Category C involves other forms of indecent imagery.

A Category A offence carries a maximum prison sentence of up to 10 years and mandatory registration as a sex offender.

Legal experts note that while Coote’s guilty plea may reduce the sentence length, the offence’s seriousness means imprisonment is highly probable.

A Referee’s Fall from Grace

Before his criminal case, David Coote enjoyed a prominent career as one of the Premier League’s leading referees.

Born in Nottinghamshire, Coote began refereeing in local leagues before joining the Football League list in 2010. He made his Premier League debut in 2018, officiating high-profile matches and serving as a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) for domestic and international fixtures.

He was known for his calm demeanour and consistent decision-making, earning selections for FA Cup ties and European competitions.
However, his professional reputation began to unravel in late 2024.

PGMOL Dismissal and FA Suspension

In December 2024, the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) confirmed Coote’s dismissal following an internal disciplinary review.

Around the same time, the Football Association (FA) imposed an eight-week suspension after a separate misconduct investigation.
The FA did not disclose specific details but described the incident as “a breach of professional conduct standards.”

These measures effectively ended Coote’s officiating role in Premier League matches. His name was subsequently removed from PGMOL’s official referee list in early 2025.

UEFA Euro 2024 Suspension

Earlier in 2024, UEFA suspended Coote from officiating duties at Euro 2024 after a video surfaced appearing to show him snorting a white substance during a private event.

While UEFA did not confirm the nature of the substance, it stated that Coote was “withdrawn from all tournament duties pending investigation.”
Following the review, UEFA extended his suspension from European competitions through 2026 on disciplinary grounds.

This series of incidents had already placed Coote under scrutiny within the refereeing community before the criminal allegations emerged.

The Court’s Tone and Coote’s Response

During his court appearance, Coote spoke only to confirm his name and plea. His defence solicitor told the court that he was “cooperating fully” with probation services and expressed “significant remorse.”

Sources familiar with the hearing said Coote appeared visibly emotional as the judge outlined the gravity of the offence.

The court’s atmosphere was described as “somber,” with representatives from the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) stressing that the making of child sexual abuse material, even in isolated instances, carries severe moral and legal consequences.

Football Bodies Decline to Comment

In response to the conviction, both the Football Association and PGMOL issued brief statements confirming awareness of the case but declined to comment further, citing ongoing judicial proceedings.

A PGMOL spokesperson said:

“Mr. Coote has not been associated with our organisation since December 2024. We will not be providing further comment while legal matters continue.”

The Football Association echoed this stance, reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding policies across all professional and grassroots football environments.

Public and Media Reaction

The David Coote case has sparked widespread outrage and discussion across social and traditional media.

Fans, commentators, and sports professionals have condemned the incident, describing it as “a betrayal of public trust” and “a dark chapter in English refereeing.”

Platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Reddit saw the hashtags #DavidCoote, #RefereeScandal, and #PremierLeague trend nationwide following the court hearing.

Mainstream outlets including BBC News, Sky Sports, Reuters, and ITV News have provided extensive coverage, while opinion pieces in The Guardian and The Telegraph have raised broader concerns about the vetting and welfare systems for referees and officials.

Calls for Reform in Football Governance

The scandal has reignited debate about accountability within UK football institutions.
Experts in sports ethics and governance say the case exposes weaknesses in the current oversight mechanisms that monitor referees’ conduct outside the pitch.

Sports governance expert Dr. Martin Hales told Briton News:

“The David Coote case has shaken confidence in the system that oversees referees. It highlights the urgent need for psychological vetting and behavioural monitoring of officials at the elite level.”

Insiders suggest that both the FA and PGMOL are reviewing their safeguarding and disciplinary protocols, particularly concerning digital conduct, background checks, and post-career support structures for referees.

Awaiting Sentencing

David Coote will return to Nottingham Crown Court on December 11, 2025, for sentencing.

The Crown Prosecution Service confirmed that pre-sentence reports will assess his risk level and rehabilitation prospects.
If sentenced to prison, Coote will automatically be added to the Sex Offenders Register and barred from working with children under the Sexual Offences Act 2003.

The case remains ongoing, with full sentencing details expected to be released later this year.

Conclusion

The David Coote case stands as one of the most serious criminal scandals involving a former Premier League referee.
Once a respected figure in English football, Coote’s guilty plea to a Category A child image offence has destroyed his reputation and raised urgent questions about how football institutions handle professional misconduct.

As the legal process continues, the sport faces a sobering reminder that no level of status or authority places anyone above the law.
The outcome of his sentencing in December will determine his personal fate — but the damage to the public trust in football officiating may take years to repair.

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FAQs About David Coote Case 

Who is David Coote?

David Coote is a former Premier League referee from Nottinghamshire, England. He officiated top-flight matches between 2018 and 2024 before being dismissed by PGMOL. In October 2025, he pleaded guilty to making a Category A indecent image of a child.

What did David Coote plead guilty to?

David Coote pleaded guilty at Nottingham Crown Court to making a Category A indecent video of a child. This is the most serious category under UK child protection law and carries severe criminal penalties.

When and where was David Coote’s hearing held?

The hearing took place on October 14, 2025, at Nottingham Crown Court, before Judge Nirmal Shant KC. Coote’s sentencing has been scheduled for December 11, 2025.

What is a Category A offence in UK law?

A Category A offence refers to the most serious form of child sexual abuse imagery under UK law, involving explicit or penetrative acts. It can result in up to 10 years of imprisonment and mandatory registration as a sex offender.

What was found during the police investigation?

Nottinghamshire Police found a Category A video on a hard drive seized during a search of Coote’s home in February 2025. The search followed an FA misconduct referral that led to a broader investigation.

Was David Coote dismissed before his conviction?

Yes. The Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) dismissed Coote in December 2024, and the FA imposed an eight-week suspension for professional misconduct prior to his criminal charge.

Why was David Coote suspended by UEFA?

In 2024, UEFA suspended Coote from officiating at Euro 2024 after a video appeared online showing him snorting a white substance. While UEFA did not confirm the nature of the material, the incident led to a disciplinary suspension until 2026.

What happens next in David Coote’s case?

Coote will be sentenced on December 11, 2025, at Nottingham Crown Court. He faces the possibility of a prison sentence and will be placed on the Sex Offenders Register if convicted.

How has the football community reacted?

The football community has reacted with shock and outrage, calling the incident “a dark chapter in refereeing.” Both the FA and PGMOL have declined further comment while legal proceedings are ongoing.

What are the broader implications of this case?

The David Coote case has prompted renewed calls for stronger vetting, psychological assessments, and digital conduct monitoring for referees and officials across UK football. Experts say it exposes gaps in governance and safeguarding systems.