JOHN MCGINTY FROM FULWOOD JAILED FOR GROOMING UNDERAGE STUDENT IN BLACKBURN

In April 2021, a disturbing case unfolded involving John McGinty, a swimming coach from Fulwood, who was convicted of grooming and engaging in sexual activities with a minor student. The case drew significant attention as details emerged about how McGinty exploited his position of trust to manipulate a young girl under his tutelage.

McGinty, aged 59, had previously taught at various swimming clubs across Blackburn, Accrington, Preston, and Bolton. His misconduct was uncovered after the victim’s sister grew suspicious of her younger sibling’s frequent absences and unusual behavior. Using the iPhone app Find My Friend, she tracked her sister to a car park in East Lancashire, where she decided to investigate further, bringing their brother along for support.

Prosecutor Lisa Worsley described the harrowing scene that unfolded when the family arrived at the location. She explained that as they approached, the brother saw McGinty lying in the driver’s seat of a Nissan Navara, with his back and buttocks exposed. The coach was positioned on top of the girl, who was lying on her back with the seat pushed back, and McGinty’s face was just inches from hers. The moment the family intervened, McGinty quickly turned to face them and attempted to deny any wrongdoing, claiming they had misunderstood the situation and that the girl was just upset. The girl, however, appeared visibly shocked and distressed, and she told her family that McGinty was her best friend.

Further investigation revealed a series of sexually explicit messages exchanged between McGinty and the girl. Her sister found these messages on her phone, which included disturbing references such as McGinty calling his penis the ‘monster in my pants’ and the girl expressing her love for him. The messages also contained naked photographs sent between the two. Police officers who searched McGinty’s vehicle discovered a bottle of lubricant hidden under the seat, raising further concerns about the nature of their interactions.

Prior to these events, concerns had been raised about McGinty’s conduct. The safeguarding manager at the swimming club had warned him against offering lifts or traveling alone with children in his car. Although McGinty initially agreed to these restrictions, he soon resumed spending time alone with the girl, prompting another warning. Despite these cautions, he continued to breach boundaries, including paying for another student to undertake lifeguard training, which was also scrutinized during the investigation.

John McGinty, of Handbridge, Fulwood, was ultimately sentenced to 27 months in prison. The charges included sexual communication with a child, meeting a child following sexual grooming, engaging in sexual activity with a minor, and possession of indecent photographs. Judge Graham Knowles QC condemned McGinty’s actions, describing him as a self-centered individual who attempted to shift blame onto others. The judge emphasized that McGinty exploited the trust placed in him by the club, the girl’s family, and his own, to carry out his offenses.

Judge Knowles highlighted the sexualized nature of the messages exchanged, some of which were sent while the girl was in biology lessons at school. He remarked on the significance of the presence of lubricant in the vehicle and the circumstances under which McGinty was caught, underscoring the gravity of the case. The judge also criticized McGinty’s attitude during police interviews, noting his silence, lies, and attempts to justify his actions, including blaming the victim at times.

As part of his sentence, McGinty will be placed on the sex offenders register and is prohibited from working with children in the future. However, he was not subjected to a sexual harm prevention order. The case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of grooming and the importance of safeguarding vulnerable minors from those who abuse their positions of trust.