Former Irish swim coach Gibney convicted of historic abuse

A former Irish national swimming coach has been convicted of sexually abusing four girls in the 1970s and 1980s. George Gibney, 77, was found guilty on Monday, July 6, 2026, by a Central Criminal Court jury of 39 counts of indecent assault and one count of attempted assault. The jury acquitted him on one count of indecent assault relating to one complainant. Gibney, who had been extradited from Florida last year, showed no visible reaction as the verdicts were delivered.

The offences occurred between 1971 and 1981 at various locations, including swimming pools and clubs in the Dublin area, as well as in Gibney's car and home. The four complainants were aged between eight and 15 at the time. The abuse included kissing, inappropriate touching, digital penetration, and forced oral sex. In one instance, the attempted assault of a 12-year-old girl occurred in a changing room.

Gibney was originally charged with 78 counts of indecent assault and one count of attempted assault. Before the trial, he pleaded guilty to five counts of indecent assault relating to one complainant. During the proceedings, the trial judge directed the jury to return not guilty verdicts on 33 other counts due...