James Russell: "Vile" former athletics coach condemned by world-class runner after brave victim came forward
A world class athlete and a former professional boxer have praised the young victim of "vile" Rotherham paedophile, after he was jailed for five years.
James Russell, a former athletics coach, heard how his actions had affected his victim when her statement was read out at Sheffield Crown Court during his sentencing hearing.
“For the 12 months following the abuse it was so hard to be alive,” she said.
"The energy and fight it took just to get through the day was so great that I didn’t want to live anymore.
"On a bad day, I couldn’t speak or eat.
“This kind of abuse is not a subject you can easily talk about. It feels embarrassing. I feel stupid, like I should have known what was happening.”
Russell, who used to live in Aston, messaged his victim on a social media platform when she was a teen.
He sent inappropriate and sexual content for months, asking if the victim 'loved' him and sending photos of his genitalia.
He initially admitted to counts of inciting the sexual exploitation of a child in September 2024 but denied engaging in sexual communication with a child and inciting a child to engage in sexual activity. He later changed his plea at the same court a year later and was finally sentenced last Friday.
After the circumstances became public, Great Britain distance runner Calli Hauger-Thackery condemned Russell, describing him as “vile”.
Referring to the victim who reported Russell, she said she was proud of her for speaking up.
“It takes a lot of strength to speak up about something like this and I can only imagine the lengthy process that was involved to make this happen and to bring this vile human to justice once and for all,” said the 33-year-old, who used to live in Killamarsh.
“It can be a sad, scary world out there but the more we speak out the better," said Hauger-Thackery, who now lives in Arizona.
“When you see even one red flag, be brave and speak up because people like this need to get what’s coming to them!
“Again, unbelievably proud of this victim - absolute hero for speaking her truth and bringing this sad excuse of a man to justice," added Calli, who has just won marathons in Honolulu and Houston, within a month.
One-time unbeaten super middleweight fighter Callum Hancock also praised the victim.
"Brave young woman: You have just well and truly transferred the weight from your shoulders onto the shoulders that deserve the burden,” he said.
“I wish you all the best on your healing journey. You and all your loved ones."
Callum, from Eckington, waived own his right to anonymity after being sexually attacked when he was 10.
His attacker was later jailed for six and a half years.
"From one survivor to another - I am proud of you and I can hand on heart say you are on the path to freedom now. Healing is a beautiful journey and you deserve all the good in the world now," he said.