Essex gym teacher police investigation on ITV documentary

Former Colchester gymnastics instructor David Schadek was convicted of a series of child sex offences committed between 2004 and 2017.

He was convicted of four counts of sexual assault, one count of sexual assault of a child, and one count of perverting the course of justice.

Schadek, who was 62 at the time, was jailed for four-and-a-half years in February 2022.

Jailed - former Colchester gymnastics teacher David Schadek (Image: Essex Police)

Now, the investigation features in a new prime time ITV documentary which examines the issue of physical, emotional and sexual abuse within the sport of gymnastics.

Gymnastics: A Culture of Abuse? will broadcast on ITV1 tonight.

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

It will also include an interview with Detective Chief Inspector Emma Barker, previously of Essex Police’s Crime and Public Protection command, about the force’s successful investigation.

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.”

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