A PAEDOPHILE sports coach who worked in at least three Southampton schools is facing prison after sexually assaulting a young girl.

Antonio Lawrie worked as an apprentice at My Coaching, teaching at city schools where children start aged four.

But last week, he was found guilty of assaulting a child as young as seven, at least 16 times during a six-month reign of abuse.

The former Cantell School pupil, 21, denied all seven counts of assault - none of which happened in his coaching role.

Following an eight-day trial, which forced his victim to give evidence to Southampton Crown Court, he was found guilty by a jury.

None of the abuse took place at My Coaching, which operates from Stanier Way, Hedge End.

James Welsh, managing director of My Coaching, confirmed that Lawrie was employed for the firm - which delivers further education programmes for young adults aged between 15 and 19 - between September 1, 2015 and June 5, 2017.

Mr Welsh said: “The safety of the children we work with is the top priority for us and as part of our standard procedures, all staff undergo enhanced DBS checks.

“He was suspended and subsequently sacked as soon as we were informed of the charges and we worked with the police on their investigations.

“In his role he was never left alone with classes and was always supervised by a senior mentor.

“Our priority is working with the schools and we are committed to maintaining the highest standards of service.

“Our thoughts are with the victim and her family at this time.”

Schools he has taught at while working for My Coaching include Ludlow Infant School, Townhill Infant School and Harefield Primary School – all part of the Hamwic Education Trust.

The trust did not comment, but said it was the responsibility of each school to choose its sports club operators.

Head teacher of both Ludlow and Townhill schools, Beverly Corbin, released a statement to parents in which she assured them that Lawrie was never unsupervised with children.

She added that Southampton City Council’s designated officer had “no concerns” that any pupils were at risk.

Mrs Corbin said: “We take our pupils’ and staff safety and well-being extremely seriously and have rigorous safeguarding checks in place.”

Harefield head teacher, Georgia Radford, released a similar statement to parents.

She added that the school would no longer use My Coaching.

An all-options probation report on Lawrie, who also studied at City College Southampton, will be compiled before his next hearing.

Following his conviction, an NSPCC spokesperson said: “This is a disturbing case and Lawrie’s young victim has been incredibly brave in speaking out about what happened.

“The effects of sexual abuse can last a lifetime and it is right that Lawrie has now faced justice for his actions.

“We hope that Lawrie’s victim is receiving all available support to overcome the trauma and move forward with their life.”

Lawrie, of Bluebell Road, Southampton, will be sentenced next month.