Former Vernon Judo club coach charged with child pornography

VERNON – A former Judo coach and competitor of the Vernon Judo Club has been charged in relation to child pornography.

Coldstream resident Bryan McLachlan, born in 1970, was charged Dec. 22, 2017 for possessing, accessing and distributing child pornography. The alleged crimes all took place between Aug. 30 and Oct. 4, 2017.

McLachlan was an active member of the Vernon Judo Club, and for several years coached at the club, according to newspaper stories, including one that refers to him as a sensei, as well as club newsletters and results pages from Judo tournaments around the province.

The Vernon Judo Club did not return our call by press time. It's not known if they are aware of the charges or if parents at the club have been informed. One club member said McLachlan left the club last year.

Reached today, Aug. 10, McLachlan said he had "no comment" regarding the allegations. His lawyer Nicholas Jacob also said he had no comment regarding the case. 

McLachlan has had three charges laid against him: possessing child pornography between Aug. 30 and Oct. 4, 2017; accessing child pornography between Aug. 30 and Sept. 8, 2017; and transmitting, making available, distributing, selling, advertising, import or export child pornography between Aug. 30 and Sept. 8, 2017.

None of the allegations have been proved in court. McLachlan's next court appearance is scheduled for Aug. 30.

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