Karate champion Liam O’Grady suspended over charges

The sporting future of double European champion and holder of four dan black belts Liam Edward O’Grady will hang in the balance until the courts decide whether he raped a 13-year-old girl as well as committed other sexual offences against her last winter and earlier this year.

He has already been banned from York, including Osbaldwick where he and his wife set up their own martial arts centre nearly a year ago.

He stepped down from Elite Fight and Fitness at Bentley Park, Osbaldwick, after the allegations were made.

Ian MacLaren, northern region administrator for the Karate Union of Great Britain (KUGB) said O’Grady had been suspended because he had been charged with offences against a child.

He said: “This suspension is in line with KUGB policy and will remain in place until a decision is reached by the courts.

“At that time further appropriate action will be decided upon by the KUGB officers following advice from the KUGB child protection and welfare officer.

“The KUGB has acted to protect the rights of any of our membership who may be affected and will offer help and advice where appropriate and requested.”

O’Grady, 29, of Larchfield, Osbaldwick, made his first appearance before York Crown Court yesterday for a preliminary hearing.

He is expected to deny charges of rape, sexual grooming and two allegations of sexual assault, all allegedly committed against the girl between October last year and April.

Judge Colin Burn provisionally set his trial for December 14 at York and released him on bail on condition he does not enter within the A64/A1237 outer ring road other than to attend court, does not have unsupervised access with anyone aged under 16, lives at a secret address believed to be in north Wales and does not contact either directly or indirectly the 13-year-old girl or her relatives.

He spoke only to confirm his name during the brief hearing. He is next due to attend court on August 8 when he will enter his plea.