Jan Latham-Koenig, a 70-year-old world-renowned classical music conductor, was sentenced to 14 months in prison, suspended for two years, for child sex offences. The sentencing occurred on Tuesday at Southwark Crown Court, where Judge Alexander Milne presided.

Latham-Koenig, who resides in Belsize Park, north-west London, admitted to three charges: attempting to meet a child following sexual grooming, arranging or facilitating the commission of a sexual offence with a child, and engaging in sexual communication with a child. The offences took place between December 9, 2023, and January 11, 2024.

The charges stemmed from Latham-Koenig’s online communications with someone he believed to be a 14-year-old boy named Jacob, who was actually an undercover police officer. Their interactions began on a dating app and later moved to WhatsApp, involving discussions of a sexual nature. Latham-Koenig even provided a train ticket for the intended meeting.

The court heard that no child was ever physically at risk. Latham-Koenig has been placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register and will be subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for ten years. Additionally, he is required to undertake 40 days of rehabilitation, complete 100 hours of unpaid community work, and pay £1,000 towards prosecution costs.

Latham-Koenig, who was awarded an OBE in 2020 for his services to music, has seen his distinguished career impacted by these charges. He has conducted the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, London Philharmonic Orchestra, and various BBC ensembles.