Kickboxing champion is jailed for rape
CHAMPION kickboxer Anthony Richardson, above, has been jailed for raping one young woman and sexually assaulting another.
The dad of two, of Shaw Heath, who won the ISKA British light heavyweight title, committed the offences while in the midst of a cocaine addiction, a court heard.
He was arrested just days after his title winning bout last December and has now been jailed for six-and-ahalf years.
ACHAMPION kickboxer has been jailed for raping one young woman and sexually assaulting another.
Anthony Richardson, of Shaw Heath, who won the ISKA British light heavyweight title, committed the offences while in the midst of a cocaine addiction, Minshull Street Crown Court heard.
Just days after the successful bout last December he was arrested.
The dad-of-two, 35, was sentenced to six-and-ahalf years in jail last Thursday and was told he must serve at least three.
It was said Richardson was well thought of in kick -boxing circles and helped train youngsters, but his career is now in ruins.
After the hearing the family of one of the victims hit out at the length of his sentence, saying: “It is not long enough, he got let off lightly. They try and make them (the court) feel sorry for them.
“He will only do half of it. But his career is over, he’ll never do kickboxing again.”
The sexual assault was in December 2011 and the rape in December 2012 with both happening after he was at a party.
Richardson, who apologised after both attacks, was arrested after one of his victims told her family about it.
Initially he denied the offences, but was charged and pleaded guilty at the first opportunity in court.
In a victim impact state- ment one of the women said: “It has taken away my happiness and turned me into someone I don’t know. It has taken away all that is possible. It has ruined my life.”
Defending, Rachel Shenton said her client had an ‘exceptional level of remorse’ and even praised his behaviour.
She said: “In many ways the conduct of Mr Richardson since the offences has been exceptional. He did not wish to explore the merits of a trial.
“At the time of these offences he was addicted to cocaine, he was choosing to have alcohol as well. He accepts he behaved as a different man through drink and drugs.
“He has achieved a degree of local celebrity, he has twice been national champion Thai boxer, he has won a lot of medals and trophies.
“He is clearly someone who is well considered and well liked. It is very rare to find someone in his position not making excuses.”
It was said Richardson, of Florist Street, had sought help for his cocaine addiction. He was given six years jail for the rape and six months for the sexual assault.