Team Katalyst closes following ex-director’s child abuse images conviction

Team Katalyst said it had taken the decision to voluntarily close its Parkgate and Barnsley sites "due to unforeseen circumstances".

Its former director and co-founder Richard Codd (32) was sentenced to a 36-month community order at Sheffield Crown Court last Thursday.

Codd admitted three counts of possessing child abuse images and one count of possessing extreme pornography involving animals.

In a statement, the free-running centre said: “We have taken the decision to voluntarily close our sites in both Rotherham and Barnsley as we work with Rotherham Council’s safeguarding board.

“Again, Team Katalyst holds the safeguarding of all our users at the highest importance. The news of serious safeguarding concerns was a huge shock. 

“Team Katalyst have fully co-operated with the investigations and will continue to do so. We are devastated by what has happened and are deeply sorry. 

“It is hoped that what has happened will, in the long term, not damage such a valuable asset to the community.”

A Rotherham Borough Council spokesman said: “This is a private business and not connected in any way to Rotherham Council. 

"However, in our local authority safeguarding role we have a duty of care to all Rotherham children.

"As a result we can confirm we are investigating Team Katalyst in terms of safeguarding, working jointly with South Yorkshire police.”

Read more on this case in tomorrow's Advertiser.