Courts / Ireland / Report

Former sports coach goes on trial accused of abusing four girls in 1970s and 80s

Summary

A 79-year-old former sports coach is on trial accused of sexually abusing four girls between 1971 and 1981. He has pleaded not guilty to 73 counts of indecent assault and one count of attempted rape. The alleged abuse occurred in various locations, including changing rooms, the accused's car, and in the complainants' beds. The prosecution stated that the accused 'exploited his position of authority' and sexually abused the girls 'entrusted in his care.' The first complainant testified that the accused was her coach and visited her parents' house. She described incidents of kissing, inappropriate touching, and forced oral sex. She said the abuse occurred over a 'reasonably prolonged period' and that she was 'very obedient' to the accused. She stated that the abuse 'petered out' when she was around 14 and that she told two friends about it but did not report it until 2020. The trial continues before Mr Justice Mícheál O'Higgins and a jury, with the woman expected to be cross-examined by defence counsel tomorrow.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Former sports coach goes on trial accused of abusing four girls in 1970s and 80s. Charges or matters: 73 counts of indecent assault and one count of attempted rape; a further five counts of indecently assaulting one of these complainants on dates between May and September 1976; 29 counts of indecent assault in relation to this complainant on dates between 1975 and 1977. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• September 1976 Hearing Or Sentence
• 1971 and 1981 Incident
• 1975 and 1977 Incident
• 1971 and 1975 Incident
• 1980 and 1981 Incident
• 2026-06-23 Publication

Case subjects

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

Read the original CNI report