HUNDREDS of parents have taken their children to learn self-defence from Stephens over the years.

Until his arrest he ran a popular club, Supreme Karate, at the Everyone Active leisure centres in Ashdown and Rossmore.

Stephens first made a name for himself in the ‘80s, winning gold medals in lightweight karate at British trials, Commonwealth and European events and the world cup in 1987.

Glory at the world championships three years in a row, 1988 – 1990, saw him rise to become the most successful lightweight player in the history of karate.

He was also the first Briton to successfully defend a world title in his up to 10st 3lb weight category.

And in March 1990, aged 28, he added his first national title to a bulging trophy cabinet.

“I have won so many titles,” he said. “But this one has always eluded me. I am over the moon about it.”

He started teaching after losing his job with chemical firm British Drug Houses in 1986, and Supreme Karate was born.

Although mainly based in Poole, he also started running classes at St Michael’s Middle School in Colehill, in 1990.

“Karate will often bring a shy child out of themselves and will help over-active children get rid of aggression,” he said.

Through this illustrious career, Stephens is rated a seventh Dan in the martial art.

In 2007, he taught 15 drivers from Cab Business Solutions to keep themselves safe from attackers in lessons at Rossmore leisure centre.