Sporting Coach Jailed for Sick Sex Abuse of Schoolgirls
A “sinister” athletics coach has been locked up for seven and a half years after admitting a string of indecent assaults on schoolgirls in Andover during the 1970s and 1980s.
Ex-Olympic Hopeful Turned Predator
Philip Banning, 68, from Penhow, Wales, pleaded guilty to 18 counts of indecent assault against four girls, all under 16 – including one just 11 years old at the time. His crimes came to light after a long investigation by Operation Marmion, a team specialising in historic child sex abuse cases.
Once an Olympic hopeful representing Team GB in athletics, Banning returned to coach at Andover 1 Club, where he met the victims. Prosecutor Tim Moores told Winchester Crown Court: “Under the guise of acting as coach and mentor, he was pursuing a regime of abuse against certain members of the club.”
Abuse in Cars, Parties and Hidden Rooms
- Banning attacked victims on car journeys home after training, during sports massages, and at parties where underage girls were allowed to drink.
- One girl was assaulted in a room under Banning’s stairs during a party.
- Another victim was abused in a school field after Banning lured her away in Andover town centre.
Devastatingly, one girl recalled being just 11 when Banning abused her in his car and coldly asked, “Is this something you’ve done before?”
Victims Confront Their Abuser in Court
Three survivors angrily read victim statements, exposing Banning’s betrayal. One told him:
“You were my coach, and you were my teacher, and you held a position of trust. You were meant to nurture a child’s development, but instead you manipulated, violated and sexually abused me. You took my childhood, my trust, my voice, my worth – and nearly my life.”
She revealed Banning even gave her a Valentine’s card aged 12, calling it his “special way” to express affection – a twisted gesture she said haunted her with “self-hatred.”
Another survivor described her first kiss as “brutal and forceful” – leaving her feeling “shattered.”
Justice Served – But Scars Remain
Banning mouthed “sorry” as Judge Keith Cutler CBE sentenced him to prison and ordered him to sign the sex offenders register for life.
Judge Cutler slammed Banning’s “grave abuse of trust” and grooming of vulnerable children for his own sexual gratification.
Detective Inspector Toby Elcock praised the victims’ courage: “For these girls, sport should have been a passion, not a cover for abuse. Banning’s appalling appetite has finally been stopped.”
Anyone affected by child sexual abuse is urged to contact police confidentially on 101 to speak to specialist detectives.
