IT isn’t the first time a champion sportsman has admitted carrying out sex offences involving children.

But it never fails to leave you feeling shocked and utterly disgusted.

This time the culprit is former karate champion Tim Stephens from Poole, who will face a jail sentence.

Stephens’ crimes, over several years, include possessing more than 38,000 indecent images, not to mention other serious sex offences. Those poor children.

There will be people today who know Stephens who will feel betrayed and bewildered by his abhorrent behaviour.

This is a man who, in the past, achieved great things.

He reached the peak of success in his sport by becoming world champion three times.

He won others’ respect and admiration. Not any more.

His vile activities mean he has sunk as low as you can get.

He should be filled with self-loathing.