Dublin Rape Crisis Centre welcomes guilty verdict in George Gibney trial

Former Irish national swimming coach George Gibney has been convicted of sexually abusing four girls in the 1970's and 80's.

Decades after he first abused young swimmers under his care, a Central Criminal Court jury today found him, now 77, guilty of 39 counts of indecent assault and one count of attempted rape.

"We welcome this conviction and recognise the long, painful and incredibly courageous journey to justice taken by his victims," said Dublin Rape Crisis Centre Chief Executive Rachel Morrogh.

"George Gibney exploited children who demonstrated sporting excellence. He abused, threatened and debased them. Like so many perpetrators of child sex abuse, he was hidden in plain sight, yet it has taken over 50 years for him to face justice."

Gibney was on trial for 74 charges, not including the five counts he admitted, but these were reduced to 41 counts by direction of the trial judge after the prosecution evidence was heard.

The jury found him guilty of 39 counts of indecently assaulting the four complainants over 50 years ago at various locations including Glenalbyn swimming pool in Stillorgan and Trojans swim club in Newpark Sports Centre in Blackrock.

Thanking the jurors for their service, Mr Justice Mícheál O’Higgins said they had carried out their work with “great attention, diligence and tremendous care”. “It is very much appreciated,” he said.

He excused them from jury duty for a period of 10 years.

Gibney was remanded in custody to be sentenced on July 29.