Sheffield ice hockey player to be sentenced for sex attacks on girls

Tom Squires, who played for England and made nearly 100 appearances for Sheffield Steelers, was warned he faced a 'lengthy' jail term at his last hearing at Sheffield Crown Court.

The 26-year-old, of Steven Crescent, Chapeltown, has admitted four counts of inciting sexual activity with a child and one count of sexual activity with a child.

His five victims were all girls aged under 16 at the time of the offences, which were carried out in the Sheffield area between 2011 and 2016.

When his case was adjourned earlier this month, for a report to be prepared on the level of risk Squires poses to the public, Judge Sarah Wright warned him that child sex offences 'almost inevitably' attract 'a lengthy custodial sentence'.

Squires played junior hockey for Sheffield clubs Scorpions, Spartans, Steelhawks and Scimitars.

He attracted interest while playing for Sheffield Steeldogs and went on to play 98 times for the Steelers in the Elite League between 2010 and 2012.

He also represented England and Great Britain under-20s.