Hockey coach jailed for sexually abusing teen girl

A sports coach has been jailed for four years after engaging in an "abusive sexual relationship" with a teenager.

Samantha Zala, of Lydbrook, Gloucestershire, pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual activity with a child and was sentenced at Gloucester Crown Court on Wednesday.

The 57-year-old was a private hockey coach at the time she committed the offences, which occurred between 2016 and 2018.

Beth Wycherley, of the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), said Zala "targeted and groomed" the vulnerable girl and left her with "lasting distress".

"Zala targeted and groomed a vulnerable young girl in order to form an abusive sexual relationship," Ms Wycherley said.

"In doing so, she betrayed the trust that had been placed in her and left her victim with lasting distress.

"This case could not have proceeded without the evidence provided by the brave young woman who Zala groomed and abused, and I would like to thank her for supporting this prosecution.

"We want all victims of sexual abuse to have confidence that they will be supported when they come forward to report a crime, and that the police and CPS are committed to securing justice for for them."

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