GEORGE ORMOND'S SHOCKING SEX ABUSE SCANDAL IN NEWCASTLE REVEALED

In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the football community in Newcastle, George Ormond, a former youth coach associated with Newcastle United, has been convicted of a series of heinous sexual offenses spanning nearly a quarter of a century. The allegations against Ormond, who was deeply involved in the development of young players within the city, have uncovered a long history of predatory behavior that exploited his position of trust and authority.

Ormond’s criminal activities date back to the 1970s and 1980s, during which he coached at a prominent junior football club in Newcastle. His role in nurturing young talent at the club eventually led to his involvement with Newcastle United’s youth setup in the 1990s. However, beneath his professional façade, Ormond used his influence over aspiring footballers to commit a series of sexual abuses. His victims, numbering at least 19, came forward after years of silence, revealing the extent of his predatory conduct.

The legal proceedings against Ormond began to take shape following a detailed investigation that was initiated in 2016, prompted by media reports exposing a broader scandal of sexual abuse within professional football. The trial, held at Newcastle Crown Court, examined allegations that spanned from 1973 to 1998, with Ormond facing a total of 38 counts of sexual offenses. These included 35 charges of indecent assault and one of indecency, although he was acquitted of one charge related to an older Newcastle United player.

During the trial, 19 complainants provided evidence, recounting their experiences of abuse at the hands of Ormond. The court heard how he manipulated his position of authority, often using his influence over the victims’ football careers to silence them or prevent disclosure. The locations of his offenses varied, including youth club changing rooms, his personal vehicle, and the homes of some victims. The prosecution painted a picture of a man wholly preoccupied with sex, who exploited the trust placed in him by young players and their families.

In December 2002, Ormond had previously been sentenced to six years in prison after being convicted of 12 counts of indecent assault on young boys. The earlier case was uncovered after one victim secretly recorded a conversation with him over a decade after the abuse, during which Ormond appeared to apologize. At that time, he denied 15 counts of indecent assault on seven boys, aged under 16 and older teenagers, but was convicted of 12 of those charges and one attempted assault. The court described him as a “predatory abuser,” emphasizing the calculated nature of his misconduct.

Most recently, in July 2018, Ormond, then aged 62, was sentenced to 20 years in prison after being found guilty of the majority of the charges. The judge, Esmond Faulks, condemned his actions, stating that Ormond had used his position to target vulnerable children, ingratiate himself with their parents, and prevent disclosure through his wielded power. Although he expressed a wish to disqualify Ormond from working with children for life, the court noted that the timing of the offenses prevented such a ruling. Throughout the proceedings, Ormond maintained his innocence, claiming he was the victim of a conspiracy and denying any wrongdoing.

His case has cast a long shadow over Newcastle’s football community, highlighting the dark side of youth sports and the importance of safeguarding young athletes from exploitation and abuse.