Why did David Coote avoid jail?
Last reviewed: June 2026
David Coote was one of English football’s best-known match officials before his career collapsed amid a criminal investigation. This page explains, factually, what he admitted, why he received a suspended sentence rather than immediate jail, and what that sentence actually means.
What was David Coote charged with?
Coote was charged with making an indecent image of a child. In law, “making” such an image is a broad term that includes downloading, saving or otherwise creating a copy of the material — it does not require producing it from scratch. The offence related to a Category A image, which is the most serious classification used by the courts for this type of material. He pleaded guilty to the charge.
What sentence did he receive?
At Nottingham Crown Court, Coote was given a nine-month prison sentence, suspended. The court also imposes the standard requirements that follow this type of conviction, which typically include rehabilitation activity, and he is subject to sex offender notification requirements (the register). His sentencing hearing had been postponed from December to January 2026 because of his barrister’s ill health before the sentence was finally handed down.
| Detail | Fact |
|---|---|
| Offence admitted | Making a Category A indecent image of a child |
| Plea | Guilty |
| Court | Nottingham Crown Court |
| Sentence | 9 months’ imprisonment, suspended |
| Other consequences | Sex offender notification; sacked by PGMOL |
Why a suspended sentence and not immediate prison?
A court can suspend a prison sentence where the custodial term falls within the limit for suspension and the judge decides that immediate custody is not necessary — for example because of an early guilty plea, a realistic prospect of rehabilitation, the absence of previous convictions, or strong personal mitigation. A suspended sentence is still a custodial sentence: it appears on the record as a prison term, and if the offender breaches the conditions or reoffends within the operational period, they can be sent to prison to serve it. To understand how suspension fits into the wider system, see our guide to sexual offence sentencing in England and Wales.
What happened to his career?
Coote was a Premier League and FIFA-listed referee. He was removed from refereeing duties and ultimately dismissed by the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), the body that runs elite refereeing in England, following the investigation. His professional officiating career is over.
- “Avoiding jail means he got off.” No — he has a criminal conviction, a suspended prison sentence and is on the sex offenders’ register.
- “A suspended sentence isn’t really a prison sentence.” It is a custodial sentence that can be activated if he breaches the conditions.
- “This was about the viral video.” The criminal conviction relates to an indecent image offence, which is separate from the social-media clip that first drew attention to him.
- “Category A is the least serious.” Category A is in fact the most serious classification.
What does a suspended sentence involve?
When a sentence is suspended, the offender remains in the community but must comply with the conditions attached, which can include rehabilitation activity requirements and supervision. The sentence is suspended for a set “operational period”; commit a further offence or breach the conditions during that time, and the court can order the original prison term to be served. You can read more about how custodial and suspended sentences work, and what prison itself is like, from someone who has experienced the UK system — see about Daniel Hockey.
Frequently asked questions
Did David Coote go to prison?
Not immediately. He received a suspended prison sentence, so he is not in custody unless he breaches the conditions.
What did he plead guilty to?
Making a Category A indecent image of a child.
Is he on the sex offenders’ register?
Yes. Convictions of this kind carry notification requirements.
Will he referee again?
No. He was dismissed by PGMOL and his elite refereeing career has ended.
Sources: Sky Sports News; court reporting from Nottingham Crown Court (2025–2026). Factual summary only.
