Athletics Coach Jailed for Schoolgirl Sex Abuse
A ‘sinister’ athletics coach has been locked up for seven and a half years for sexually abusing schoolgirls in the 1970s and 80s. Philip Banning, 68, preyed on young athletes he was meant to mentor at Andover 1 Club.
Ex-Team GB Runner Used Sport to Groom Victims
Banning, once an Olympic hopeful running for Team GB, returned as a qualified coach. Prosecutor Tim Moores told Winchester Crown Court that Banning manipulated and abused four girls, all under 16, including one just 11 years old at the time.
“Under the guise of acting as coach and mentor, he was pursuing a regime of abuse against certain members of the club,” said Mr Moores. The abuse occurred in his car on rides home, during so-called sports massages, and even in a room beneath Banning’s stairs during parties where alcohol was served to minors.
Victims Speak Out: ‘You Took My Childhood’
Three survivors courageously read victim personal statements. One said,
“You were my coach, my teacher, and you held a position of trust. You were meant to safeguard children, 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 gave her a Valentine’s card at age 12, calling it his “special way” of showing affection — a twisted gift that left lasting scars.
Another survivor recounted a “brutal and forceful” first kiss with Banning, leaving her “shattered”.
Justice Served – But Warning to Others
Banning pleaded guilty to 18 counts of indecent assault on underage girls and must now sign the sex offenders register for life. Judge Keith Cutler CBE condemned his abuse of trust:
“You groomed and abused your position, seeking sexual relief without care for the lifelong damage caused.”
Detective Inspector Toby Elcock praised the victims’ bravery and hopes the sentence offers some closure:
“These girls were just young athletes pursuing their passion before Banning’s appalling appetite destroyed that. Justice has been served, and he won’t harm another child.”
If you have been a victim of child sexual abuse, contact police on 101 for confidential support from specialist detectives.
