SWIM COACH KEITH BURNS RECEIVES ADDITIONAL 2.5 YEARS FOR CHILD ABUSE
Former Olympic trainer Keith Francis Burns, a swimming coach who has served time for child abuse, was sentenced to an additional two and a half years imprisonment after showing 'no remorse.' Burns, who is 64 years old and from Silverhill in Enniskillen, was already serving two years for indecent assault.He was convicted of abusing a second schoolgirl and asked her to 'seal their special relationship' by having sex.
The victim was between 13 and 15 years old at the time of the abuse.
Judge Piers Grant emphasized that Burns exploited his position of trust and power over vulnerable young girls for his own sexual gratification.
Burns was convicted of seven charges of indecent assault initially sentenced in April, and after a second trial, he was found guilty of three additional charges.
The court noted that Burns had abused the girl in his car on multiple occasions and in public view.
He was also sentenced to be placed on the sex offenders' register for life, and was banned from coaching, teaching, or supervising girls under 18.
The judge stated Burns betrayed his trust, used his influence for abuse over several years, and hid behind a facade of decency and reputation, but showed no remorse or acceptance of guilt, dismissing the possibility of probation.
Burns is currently appealing his original conviction, and may consider appealing the new sentence.
