Youth coach George Ormond jailed for 20 years for sexually abusing players

George Ormond; former Newcastle coach

A former Newcastle United youth team aid has been jailed for 20 years after being convicted of a string of sex abuse offences spanning 25 years.

George Ormond, 62, coached a grassroots football club in the 1970s and 1980s before going on to work for United's youth system in the 1990s.

Newcastle Crown Court heard he used his "position of power" to abuse 18 boys and young men between 1973 and 1998.

He was convicted of 35 charges of indecent assault and one of indecency.

Ormond, who the court was told has been living at temporary addresses in Gateshead, was cleared of two further charges following a six-week trial.

The jury was told Ormond "manipulated his position" and held out a "glittering future" to young players, but could block their progress if they stood up to him.

He would indecently touch boys while massaging them or treating them for injuries and insist they not wear anything under their shorts, then check they had followed the rule.

Judge Edward Bindloss described Ormond as "wholly preoccupied with sex" and said he "used his position as a respected football coach to target boys and young men in his care".

He said: "Some victims you do not even remember - what was for you momentary sexual gratification was for your victims a lifetime of difficulty."

Victims' statements described their shame and embarrassment, and in some cases deep regret that they had not spoken out earlier.