BRIAN PHELPS: OLYMPIC DIVER FROM ASHBROOKE, BELMONT, POOLE, AND SUNDERLAND JAILED FOR CHILD ABUSE

In a case that has shocked the local communities of Ashbrooke, Belmont, Poole, and Sunderland, former Olympic diver Brian Phelps has been sentenced to nine years in prison after admitting to a series of heinous indecent assault charges involving three young girls, some as young as six years old.

Brian Phelps, who gained international fame by winning a bronze medal at the 1960 Rome Olympics at just 16 years of age, pleaded guilty to multiple offences spanning from 1976 to 1987. The charges included indecent assaults and indecency, with the court accepting his pleas but rejecting allegations of rape and attempted rape. The case was heard at Bournemouth Crown Court, where Judge Samuel Wiggs emphasized the severity of Phelps's crimes, stating that he must serve a minimum of six years before being eligible for parole.

The allegations against Phelps first surfaced publicly in 2003, leading to a criminal investigation that uncovered a disturbing pattern of abuse. At the time, Phelps was working as a trampoline and swimming coach in Poole, Dorset. It was during this period that multiple victims came forward, prompting a series of investigations by both police and social services. The case gained further attention due to the extensive media coverage, which encouraged other victims to step forward.

Historical records reveal that Phelps's troubling history predates the 2003 allegations. In 1999, social services in Poole investigated claims of child abuse involving Phelps, who was then employed by Poole Borough Council. Despite the investigation, authorities concluded there was insufficient evidence to pursue further action, and Phelps was cleared after undergoing police checks. He was subsequently cleared to continue working, including employment with British Gymnastics, which conducted its own separate inquiries.

However, the shadow of suspicion persisted. In September 2003, new allegations emerged, leading to a joint child protection investigation by Poole Borough Council and Dorset Police. Phelps was suspended from his coaching duties in January 2004 and later resigned from his position. Despite these measures, it was not until 2007 that the first victim decided to press charges, resulting in the criminal proceedings that culminated in his conviction.

During the court proceedings in April 2008, Phelps admitted to multiple counts of indecent assault and indecency involving three girls. The first victim, aged between six and 15 during the abuse, was assaulted on numerous occasions. The second girl, aged between six and 14, and the third girl, aged between nine and 12, also testified against him, detailing the abuse they endured. Phelps's guilty pleas included 11 counts of indecent assault and eight charges of indecency against the first girl, 10 counts of indecent assault and eight charges of indecency against the second, and four counts of indecent assault along with one of indecency involving the third.

Poole Borough Council issued a statement regarding the 1999 allegations, clarifying that they