Irish Swim Coach Arrested On Alleged Sexual Exploitation of Children

A swim coach in Ireland was arrested last week on suspicion of committing an alleged sexual offense against children.

The man, reported to be in his 30s, was arrested on Tuesday, May 3, on suspicion of alleged offenses contrary to the Criminal Law (Sexual Offenses) Act in Ireland, according to a spokesman from the Irish National Police, Garda Síochána.

It is alleged that the coach placed recording devices in the change rooms before and after swim lessons.

He was later released without charge after being questioned by police in west Dublin.

A file will be prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.

“As this is an ongoing criminal investigation An Garda Síochána has no further comment,” the spokesman added.

The coach was suspended by Swim Ireland in March after a whistleblower, who was among the swimmers training under the coach, reported the allegations to the national governing body.

Swim Ireland then informed its National Children’s Officer of the allegations, and the matter was then handed over to the garda.

According to the Irish Times report, the man was working with minor swimmers at a pool in Dublin and had also coached with a local club in Dublin, which was promptly informed by Swim Ireland of the allegations.

Swim Ireland released the following statement on the matter (per Irish Times):

“The matter is now being investigated by Gardaí, and a coach has been suspended. All relevant protocols are active including informing and assisting relevant parties. Our priority is to offer appropriate support to those involved and to co-operate with the Garda investigation.

“As we understand it this is not a matter that has previously been raised with the Gardaí and our National Children’s Officer continues to liaise closely with them.”

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Joso
2 years ago

If you want the answers to your questions, ask yourself why the old regime is still in place from the George Gibney- Derry O’Rourke years, and ask why Swim Ireland magically made a blow-up swimming pool happen in light of this scandal, and finally ask why a certain CEO only allowed the press release the night of the Swim Ireland AGM so no journalists could be there

Ms TC
2 years ago

There are LOTS more Q’s to be asked here.

There are people in leadership roles responsible though.

About James Sutherland

James Sutherland

James swam five years at Laurentian University in Sudbury, Ontario, specializing in the 200 free, back and IM. He finished up his collegiate swimming career in 2018, graduating with a bachelor's degree in economics. In 2019 he completed his graduate degree in sports journalism. Prior to going to Laurentian, James swam …

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