Ref sent explicit images to boy

League referee and teacher Gary Lewis admitted the offences

A Football League referee has admitted e-mailing sexually explicit images to a 14-year-old boy.

Teacher Gary Lewis, 33, of Haddenham, Cambridgeshire, admitted two offences against the teenager, magistrates at Ely, were told.

He is due to be sentenced at Cambridge Crown Court at a date to be fixed. Magistrates were told Lewis had taught at two secondary schools in the county.

Solicitor Adam Haselhurst said Lewis had resigned and would not teach again.

The Football Association said Lewis had been suspended from officiating at matches involving players aged under 16, pending an inquiry, but could continue refereeing adult games.

His career as far as teaching is concerned is at an end Solicitor Adam Haselhurst

He has been on the Football League referees' list for three years and can officiate at Championship, League One and League Two games.

The maximum penalty is 10 years' imprisonment for each offence of sending an image of a person engaging in sexual activity to the boy.

The Football League website said Lewis began refereeing in 1988 and became a Football League assistant referee in 2000.

He joined the league referee's list in 2004 and officiated at the 2004 LDV Vans Southern Final between Colchester United and Southend United.

'Sexual gratification'

Prosecutor Angela Sassoli told magistrates Lewis exchanged MSN internet messages with the boy over a number of weeks this summer and at this time the indecent images were sent.

Lewis admitted gaining "sexual gratification" by sending the images to the youngsters, Mrs Sassoli said.

Mr Haselhurst, his lawyer, told the court Lewis would never teach again. "His career as far as teaching is concerned is at an end. He will never be able to teach again."

Magistrates asked for reports about Lewis's background and said a Crown Court judge should impose a sentence.

Lewis left court without comment.