Pervert football coach was not working for us
Active Stirling: Contract was terminated
Active Stirling have clarified that Blair Barlow was not in their employment when sex offence allegations were made against him.
Barlow (22), who coached at Stirling Albion’s junior academy, was last week found guilty after trial of attempting to cause a child to look at a sexualised image.
He hung his head in shame after a sheriff ruled that he had intentionally sent a picture of his private parts to a 15-yearold boy between May 1, 2015, and May 9 last year.
Barlow, of St Anne’s Crescent, Bannockburn, claimed he had “misclicked” on his mobile and sent the filthy photo accidentally to the boy on Snapchat instead of to a potential hook-up on gay dating app Grindr.
This followed sexualised messages he had sent to his victim, and one of his victim’s 15-year-old pals, in which he discussed masturbation.
Sheriff William Gilchrist said the sending of the picture had occurred “in the context” of the previous sexualised comments, and Barlow’s explanation “was not truthful” and could have been made up on the spot in the witness box.
The court heard that the boys, who were nothing to do with Barlow’s football coaching, were in one of their bedrooms when Barlow’s picture appeared on an iPad. Both boys are now 16.
One of them, now an apprentice, told the court: “I thought it was quite weird, or more than just weird, it wasn’t right.”
He added that he had initially been in touch with Barlow over social media about football but the court heard that neither boy was a member of any club or team that Barlow had coached.
In evidence Barlow said he had been a football coach since August 2013 and had coached boys aged from 3 to 14.
He said he had sent the picture in error to the 15-year-old as it was instead intended for a potential date.
He said he messaged: “I’m sorry mate, that wasn’t meant for you” as soon as he realised he had got the wrong destination.
The court heard that Barlow was questioned by police after one of the boys’ mothers had found his phone, and it came to light that the youngsters had been using the incident to pressure Barlow into buying them drink.
He admitted to cops that he had messaged the boys about masturbation, adding: “I’ve got no filter, that’s my issue. I do have a very inappropriate mind.”
Barlow, who had denied wrongdoing, was found guilty after trial of attempting to cause a child to look at a sexualised image sentence was deferred until July 4 for reports.
Active Stirling confirmed that Barlow was employed by them as a “sessional sports coach” between August 12, 2013, and April 30, 2015 – before the allegations were made.
A spokesperson added: “Active Stirling completed all pre-recruitment checks prior to employment including PVG scheme membership and reference checks.
“Blair Barlow’s contract was terminated in December 18, 2015 in line with our HR policies, as his coaching activity with us had lapsed and was dormant for six months or more.”
“Blair Barlow was not an employee of Active Stirling when these allegations were made, and, contrary to media reports, Blair Barlow was not suspended by Active Stirling following these allegations.
“We have no record of any allegations made against Blair Barlow during his employment at Active Stirling.
“Active Stirling is committed to ensuring that all children and protected adults are kept safe from harm while they are employees or volunteers in our organisation.
“In order to achieve these we ensure all employees and volunteers are carefully screened, selected, trained and supervised.”
Barlow also coached the Stirling Albion Junior Academy 2002 squad of 15 that toured Holland last year, and he flew with them to The Netherlands.
Stirling Albion confirmed that Barlow had been suspended as soon as the allegations first surfaced.
A spokesman said: “Our commitment to a duty of care to everyone within the Stirling Albion football family does not waver and we will continue to adopt and implement best practice.”