Essex Police sexual abuse case to feature in ITV documentary

Thanks to the work of specialist Detectives and Public Protection Officers, and the bravery of young and vulnerable victims, former Colchester gymnastics instructor David Schadek was convicted of a series of child sex offences and was jailed for four-and-a-half years in February 2022.

And now this investigation features in a new prime-time ITV documentary that examines the issue of physical, emotional and sexual abuse within the sport of gymnastics.

Gymnastics: A Culture of Abuse? will broadcast on ITV1 on Thursday 22 February and will include an interview with Detective Chief Inspector Emma Barker, previously of Essex Police’s Crime and Public Protection command, about our successful investigation.

Schadek was found guilty of five counts of sexual assault against two children, and one count of perverting the course of justice. These related to assaults between 2004 and 2017.

Offences first came to light in January 2018 following a disclosure made to Essex Police. This complaint instigated an investigation by the Child Abuse Investigation Team, which led to the discovery of further victims and incidents of abuse.

DCI Barker said:

“As a parent or a child you don't need proof that something's happening, that's our job. We will listen and we will investigate.
“There was a persistence and perseverance required to bring Schadek to justice. Many investigations have obstacles and hurdles along the way and it's our job in the interest of our victims and in the interest of justice to address those and to tackle them. Ultimately, we wanted to deliver justice for the victims and stop the abuse of any more children.”

The hour-long documentary also speaks to former British gymnasts from other parts of the country - some of whom have bravely waived their lifetime right to anonymity - who say they were abused as children by their coaches.

Synergy Essex offers independent and specialised services for individuals who have experienced rape or sexual abuse in Essex.

Synergy Essex is a partnership of three services; Centre for Action on Rape and Abuse (CARA), SERICC Rape and Sexual Abuse Specialist Service, and Southend-on-Sea Rape Crisis (SOS Rape Crisis).

The services provided by Synergy Essex are independent of the police. This ensures individuals can seek help whether they choose to report the incident or not. This could be in relation to something that happened recently or in the past.

Survivors and victims can access support by reaching out on their own or through a referral from someone they trust. This could be a family member, friend, or professional.

At Synergy Essex, people of all ages can benefit from specialised emotional support. This includes counselling and advocacy.

For those pursuing legal action, they offer the help of an Independent Sexual Violence Adviser (ISVA). The advisers can guide and support them through the criminal justice process.

To learn more about the services available, please visit the Synergy Essex website.

If you recognise the abusive behaviour investigated in the documentary in yourself or someone you know, find out more about our #Reflect campaign.

If you or someone you know needs help to change abusive behaviours, visit The Change Project.

Gymnastics: A Culture of Abuse? will be broadcast on ITV1 at 9pm on Thursday 22 February.