Sheffield ice hockey star warned to expect 'lengthy' jail term over child sex offences

A Sheffield ice hockey star has been warned he faces a 'lengthy' spell behind bars for a string of sex offences against young girls.
Tom Squires played 98 times for Sheffield Steelers between 2010 and 2012Tom Squires played 98 times for Sheffield Steelers between 2010 and 2012
Tom Squires played 98 times for Sheffield Steelers between 2010 and 2012

Tom Squires, who played for England and made nearly 100 appearances for Sheffield Steelers, appeared at Sheffield Crown Court today for sentencing.

The case was adjourned until March 24, when the judge told the 26-year-old he should expect a 'lengthy custodial sentence' for his crimes.

Tom Squires is now due to be sentenced on March 24Tom Squires is now due to be sentenced on March 24
Tom Squires is now due to be sentenced on March 24
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Squires, of Chapeltown, has admitted four counts of inciting sexual activity with a child and one count of sexual activity with a child.

The 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.

Squires appeared today before Judge Sarah Wright, who adjourned sentencing so a report could be prepared demonstrating what risk the defendant presents to the public.

Bailing him, she noted the 'persistent nature of the offending over a substantial period of time'.

Tom Squires is now due to be sentenced on March 24Tom Squires is now due to be sentenced on March 24
Tom Squires is now due to be sentenced on March 24
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"These offences attract almost inevitably a lengthy custodial sentence," she said.

Squires, who studied at All Saints, played junior hockey for Sheffield clubs Scorpions, Spartans, Steelhawks and Scimitars.

He caught the eye as a fast-skating right winger with Sheffield Steeldogs, and went on to play 98 times for the Steelers in the Elite League, Britain's top tier, between 2010 and 2012.

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