Former Racing Bookmaker Given Suspended Sentence for Child Sexual Offences
A former bookmakers' representative who worked at prestigious racing events including Royal Ascot, Cheltenham Festival, and Goodwood has received a suspended prison sentence after pleading guilty to multiple sexual offences against children.
Investigation and Arrest
Jonathan Goss, aged 51 from Harrow in Middlesex, was arrested in 2022 following an investigation by the National Crime Agency. Investigators linked him to activity on a website known to be associated with child sexual abuse material.
Officers identified two online accounts – "jbaabaa99" and "hard4girls" – where the sexual abuse of young girls was actively discussed with other users. The NCA successfully connected these accounts to Goss through digital forensic evidence.
Evidence Discovered
Following his arrest, authorities seized multiple electronic devices belonging to Goss. Examination revealed images of young girls aged between six and fourteen years old. According to the NCA, some photographs showed children in swimming costumes while others captured them talking to friends, with no indication the subjects were aware they were being photographed.
The girls were subsequently identified and safeguarding measures were implemented to protect them from further harm. Goss faced additional charges for making and possessing indecent images of children, with officers discovering numerous images including the most severe Category A material on his laptop and mobile phone.
Court Proceedings and Sentencing
Goss pleaded guilty to multiple offences including sexual communication with a child, arranging a child sexual offence, possession of over 200 indecent images of children, and publishing an obscene article. The pleas were entered at Willesden Crown Court in April last year.
At Harrow Crown Court this week, Goss was sentenced to 16 months imprisonment, suspended for two years. The court also imposed a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order restricting his future activities and access to children.
NCA Statement
Holly Triggs from the National Crime Agency commented on the case, stating: "The evidence we obtained showed Jonathan Goss has a sexual interest in children and went to great lengths to obtain this material online. He took photos of young children without their knowledge and collected some of the most severe child abuse images, keeping them in specific folders on his devices."
Triggs added: "The sentence handed down today should be a reminder to anyone that you can't hide behind online usernames. The NCA will identify you and bring you to justice, and ensure children are safeguarded from harm."
Background in Betting Industry
Goss had worked in the betting industry both on and off the course since 2002, accumulating over fifteen years of experience. He spent eleven years with Ladbrokes, beginning as an elite desk representative providing personalised services to high-staking clients, owners, and trainers while also training new employees.
From 2005 to 2013, he worked on course as a representative accepting bets from the public. His professional profile indicates subsequent work for bookmaker Geoff Banks and Racecourse Data Technologies, with freelance on-course work since 2015. Goss was reportedly seen at Ascot just last Saturday, highlighting his continued presence within racing circles until recently.
