The former Ireland Olympic swimming coach, George Gibney, has been sentenced to 15 and a half years in jails for sexually abusing girls in the 70s and 80s – with one of his victims saying today that she had spent decades in silence because of his “perverted behaviours”.
Gibney, now 78, was finally extradited from the U.S last year, and convicted in July of this year of 39 counts of indecent assault and one count of attempted rape.
More than 30 years ago, after allegations emerged that he preyed on children he was charged with 27 counts of indecency and carnal knowledge, but in 1993 the Supreme Court ruled that because of the time that had elapsed since the offences, he could not stand trial.
Gibney moved to Scotland, and then to the US – but a 2020 BBC podcast, Where is George Gibney? led to further victims making statements and fresh changes being issued.
Judge Micheál P O’Higgins said Gibney was a “manipulative predator”. The victims, aged between eight and 13 at the time of the abuse, were targeted by Gibney as he gave them lifts to swimming practice; in his office and when they babysat his children.
Today, in the Central Criminal Court, Gibney – who was brought into the court in a wheelchair – was sentenced to 12 years for the attempted rape, with two years suspended, and the maximum two years for each of the indecent assault charges with four months suspended on each.
Survivor Orla Poole spoke to reporters outside the court today saying that survivors should know the only fault lay with the convicted paedophile.
“Grooming, manipulation, and deception are oftentimes difficult to identify but are the hallmark of a paedophile,” she said.
“This is especially so in highly competitive sporting mentor/coach situations, where young immature, vulnerable and naive persons are dependent on the adult to show the way and do the right thing.”
“If there are any, and I believe there are many, others who suffered at the hands of Gibney, know that you do not have to carry this burden alone. You are not at fault, the only guilt for what we went through lies with the convicted paedophile,” she said.
“When you are ready and able, unburden yourself by talking to someone. From the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre, One In Four, a therapist, a trusted friend or even the gardaí.
“It can be a liberating and cathartic experience. You are not alone,” she said.
Ms Poole said she “spent decades in silence because of his perverted behaviours. I thought I was the only one, that somehow, I deserved what he did to me.
“I thought no one would believe me if I was to say something. That, I think, is no longer the case in Ireland,” she added.
“There are people, organisations and authorities that will listen; who will offer support and will act.
“His actions have had far reaching repercussions on people beyond just me. My friends, my family and my own child.
“This court case didn’t just deliver justice for me, but also, I hope, for others.
“It has shown that even after 50 plus years, justice can be got. Historical offenders can be held to account for their actions and choices.
“The times of sweeping things under the rug, turning a blind eye or holding that children should be seen, and not heard, are gone,” she said.
“To all survivors out there, speak when you are ready, reclaim your agency and remember you are not to blame, only the offender is to blame. You are not alone. There is support. There are people that will be of help to you. You will be heard and you will be believed.”