Top footy and cricket umpire who committed shocking child sex offences against 10 young girls is jailed for more than 20 years

Former South Australian cricket and football umpire Brett Daniel Allford has been sentenced to 23 years in prison for numerous online child sex abuse crimes. 

Allford, from Edwardstown, was described as a ‘serious child sexual predator’ for grooming 10 young girls over Snapchat and Instagram. He provided them with food, clothing, and underwear in exchange for graphic images.

During a court session via video link, Allford slumped his head as Judge Paul Muscat announced the lengthy sentence, citing his minimal prospects for rehabilitation. 

The former SANFL and SACA umpire pleaded guilty to soliciting child abuse material from girls in the UK. 

The court heard that he manipulated his victims by sending them money for Uber Eats and Shein vouchers in return for their cooperation.

Allford committed 14 offences against 10 girls between 2021 and 2022. His activities were uncovered when the father of one victim alerted authorities in England. 

A search of Allford’s phone revealed hundreds of illicit images and several videos of underaged victims, the youngest being 11 years old and the oldest 16.

Using Snapchat and Instagram, Allford communicated with the girls and sent gifts such as Uber Eats, clothes, makeup, and money in exchange for explicit photos and videos. 

He secretly recorded their explicit video conversations using a screenshot recording application.

Judge Muscat condemned Allford’s actions, stating he took advantage of the girls’ personal circumstances for his own deviant sexual desires. 

The court heard that Allford manipulated his victims, sometimes threatening to harm himself if they stopped communicating with him.

One victim introduced Allford to several friends as a ‘sugar daddy.’ The judge noted the significant power imbalance between Allford and his young victims. 

Alford was sentenced to a 23 year jail period with a non-parole period of 17 years at South Australian District Court (pictured)

Allford had already been convicted and jailed for similar offences in 2019 and resumed contacting children after his release.

The court learned that Allford used a screen recording app to covertly record Snapchat calls and made web searches on how to do so without detection. 

He manipulated his victims by offering money for food and clothing in exchange for images and videos.

Allford used Amazon accounts to arrange for cigarettes, clothing, and makeup to be delivered to his victims. One victim sent hundreds of images and videos, receiving at least 500 pounds from Allford.

The Commissioner for Victims’ Rights highlighted the social impact of such offences, noting how digital technologies have altered the dynamics of child sexual abuse and exploitation. 

Judge Muscat noted the variety of ways Allford had affected his victims, with one feeling ‘horrible within myself.’

Judge Muscat considered the proportionality of the sentence, ultimately imposing a 23-year head sentence with a non-parole period of 17 years. Allford will be eligible for parole in October 2039.