BARRY HEFFERNAN, TENNIS COACH IN HEMEL HEMPSTEAD, JAILED IN THE UK FOR SEXUAL ASSAULTS ON YOUNG GIRLS

In October 2008, Barry 'Butch' Heffernan, a tennis coach who claimed to have trained legends such as Martina Navratilova and Bjorn Borg, was sentenced to five and a half years in prison after being found guilty of sexually abusing two young girls. Heffernan, a twice-married Australian, operated the Down Under Tennis Academy near Hemel Hempstead, where he created a facade of professionalism but engaged in inappropriate and sexual conduct with promising female players. The court heard that the 14-year-old girls, who sought lessons from him, endured years of abuse due to their fears of ending their tennis careers if they reported him.

During the proceedings at St Albans Crown Court, the court was told that one girl developed psychological issues including anorexia, anxiety, and depression, attributed in part to the abuse. It was not until late 2007 that police investigations uncovered his misconduct, leading to his arrest. Detective Constable Duncan Prior from Hertfordshire’s Child Abuse Investigation Unit stated, 'We believe there may be other females out there who may have been victims in the past and I would urge those girls and women to come forward and they will be dealt with sensitively and in the strictest confidence.'

Prosecutor Jane Bickerstaff explained that Heffernan, 47, who also had a previous conviction for deception in Australia, admitted ten counts of indecent assault and sexual activity with a child. Judge Stephen Warner described him as a 'controlling and predatory' individual.

The court detailed the nature of his abuse, starting with one girl who went to his tennis club, The Down Under Tennis Academy, with her mother since July 2003. She described Heffernan's abusive behavior, which involved persistent inappropriate physical contact, including pushing his erect penis into her repeatedly over two years, as well as making inappropriate comments about her body. He also showered her with gifts such as sunglasses, tennis rackets, and a tennis bag. This girl’s psychological health deteriorated, leading to anorexia, anxiety, and depression by age 15. When she finally told him to stop at 16, Heffernan ceased his abuse of her but turned his attention to another 14-year-old girl.

The second victim was subjected to similar grooming and abuse, with incidents including inappropriate touching and trips abroad where he indecently assaulted her in a car. As she became 15, Heffernan began taking her to his flat, where he engaged in sex acts after removing her clothing. The prosecution emphasized that Heffernan exploited his role and her ambitions as a promising tennis player to maintain control and silence, fearing that reporting him would end their futures in tennis.

Both girls eventually confided in their families; the second girl did so in 2005, but initially police action was limited due to her reluctance. It was only in 2007 that she made a formal complaint, which led to Heffernan's arrest. After his initial detention in September 2007, additional victims and prior offenses linked to his time in Australia came to light.

Defense lawyer Tom Kark acknowledged Heffernan's reputation in Australia and his successful coaching career in America, noting his passion for tennis and his coaching of notable players. He described his client as 'verbally abusive to everyone,' attributing this to his personal style. Kark also stated that Heffernan now recognized his wrongdoing and was genuinely ashamed, knowing he would never coach children again. His wife Angela remained supportive during the legal proceedings.

Judge Warner delivered a stern sentence, highlighting how Heffernan abused the trust placed in him by his young victims and their parents. The judge pointed out that Heffernan's actions involved grooming, especially with the second girl, and represented an escalation of his offending. The court imposed a six-year disqualification from working with children and mandated that Heffernan's name be added to the sex offenders register. Additionally, a seven-year sexual offences prevention order was issued. The judge concluded by emphasizing that Heffernan used his position of authority for deceitful and predatory purposes, with his crimes causing significant harm and betrayal of trust.