Former Saffron Walden manager Jason Maher has spoken out about the shocking case of Kiernan Hughes-Mason, a former EFL footballer who was found guilty of child cruelty and causing grievous bodily harm to a two-year-old girl.

Maher, who signed Hughes-Mason to Saffron Walden in July 2022, expressed his shock and disbelief at the news, stating that he was unaware of the player’s dark past. He questioned how Hughes-Mason had managed to “successfully pass DBS checks” despite his criminal history.

Reports emerged that Hughes-Mason, 32, had inflicted life-changing brain injuries on the young girl in Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex, in 2020. He will be sentenced on September 10 at Basildon Crown Court.

Maher took to social media to express his outrage, saying: “I signed him but I never heard a whisper. The guy successfully passed DBS checks in that time and @EssexPoliceUK should have serious questions to answer.”

Saffron Walden men’s first team coach Jason Maher questioned how Kiernan Hughes-Mason had ‘successfully passed DBS checks’ after admitting he had signed the player

Former EFL footballer Hughes-Mason (pictured in 2013) has been found guilty of child cruelty and grievous bodily harm

Hughes-Mason played for Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur during his youth career before featuring twice for Millwall’s first team between 2009 and 2010. He later played non-League football for several clubs, including Grimsby, Welling, Kettering, Maidstone, Leatherhead, Grays, and Barking.

The former footballer began his managerial career last year with Tower Hamlets. He was managing Enfield Borough before being sacked following his conviction on Wednesday.

A statement from Enfield Borough FC read: “Effective immediately, Enfield Borough FC has decided to relieve Kiernan Mason-Hughes from his duties as manager. This decision comes in light of recent revelations regarding serious legal matters from Mr. Mason-Hughes’ past, which were not disclosed during the hiring process.”

Hughes-Mason had inflicted life-changing brain injuries on a two-year-old girl

Hashtag United, where Hughes-Mason played and coached between 2020 and 2022, also issued a statement condemning his actions. “This evening the club has been made aware of some deeply shocking news regarding one of our former players and reserve team manager, Kiernan Hughes-Mason, who has been found guilty of crimes that are frankly sickening.”

The club expressed their sympathy to the victim and her family, adding that they had no knowledge of the crimes until Wednesday. “Our club has an absolute zero tolerance policy on behavior even closely relating to this. Our values are centered around positivity, inclusivity, and above all else, creating a safe place for all.”

Hughes-Mason’s conviction has sent shockwaves through the football community, with many calling for greater vigilance and stricter background checks to prevent similar cases in the future.