PETER LAWLER, FORMER OLYMPIC CANOE COACH FROM COCKERMOUTH AND WEYBRIDGE, CONVICTED OF SEXUAL ABUSE

In a case that has shocked the sporting community and the local towns of Cockermouth and Weybridge, Peter Lawler, a 71-year-old former Olympic canoe coach, has been found guilty of sexually abusing a young girl over a period of two years. The incident involved a promising athlete who was only 13 years old at the time, and the conviction marks a tragic fall from grace for a man who once represented Great Britain at three Olympic Games.

Lawler’s illustrious sporting career saw him reach the semi-finals in the 1,000-metre kayak events at the Tokyo Olympics in 1964, the Mexico City Olympics in 1968, and narrowly missing out in the same event at the 1972 Munich Games. His achievements in the sport made him a respected figure in the canoeing community. However, his reputation was shattered when allegations of sexual misconduct surfaced, leading to a four-day trial at Guildford Crown Court.

The court heard that Lawler, who was confined to a wheelchair following a severe horse-riding accident in Canada in 2008 that resulted in spinal and rib fractures, repeatedly abused the girl during training runs and other encounters. Prosecutor Ruby Selva detailed how Lawler coerced the young athlete into performing sexual acts, including getting her to masturbate him on several occasions. Jurors were also told that Lawler furtively touched the victim’s groin with his foot under a dinner table while dining with her and her parents, an act that underscored the predatory nature of his conduct.

Judge Neil Stewart, presiding over the case, described the conviction as a reflection of multiple incidents, with the charge of indecent assault being a sample of the broader pattern of abuse. Lawler was remanded on bail until July 6, pending a medical report to assess his condition and the suitability of prison facilities for someone suffering from his health issues. The judge also ordered a report from the Governor of HMP Highdown regarding the accommodations available for Lawler, who is now required to sign the sex offenders’ register.

The victim, now 37, prepared a statement that was to be presented at the sentencing hearing, describing the profound impact the abuse had on her life. She recounted how her trust was exploited and how she was forced to abandon her passion for canoeing, which she believed could have led her to Olympic success. She expressed her deep resentment and anger towards Lawler, stating, “He abused my trust and my parents’ trust. I hate him.” The young woman also revealed that she had suffered from depression, nightmares, and engaged in self-harming behaviors, including cutting and burning herself with cigarettes.

Lawler denied all charges, claiming that a bladder operation had rendered him impotent and medically incapable of engaging in sexual activity two years prior to the alleged offenses. However, prosecutors pointed out that Lawler had not disclosed this medical condition to police or his doctors during questioning, raising questions about the credibility of his claims.

The court was informed that Lawler’s misconduct began after he gained the trust of the girl and her parents, and that he used his position as a coach to manipulate her. The victim, who had previously won medals in junior championships across the UK, eventually quit canoeing to escape his influence. She described how the trauma led her into a downward spiral involving alcohol, drugs, and self-harm.

In addition to the criminal proceedings, Lawler’s personal history was highlighted, including his status as a divorced father-of-two and his involvement with the Elmbridge Canoe Club in Weybridge, which he helped establish with his brother and sister-in-law. It was at this club that the abuse reportedly began, with allegations that Lawler’s misconduct started during his coaching of athletes preparing for the 1988 Seoul Olympics.

Lawler’s life took a tragic turn in 2008 when he was involved in a horse-riding accident in Canada, which left him paraplegic and dependent on others for his daily needs. He described the physical and emotional toll of his condition, including thoughts of suicide and the use of medication to manage mood swings. His mental health struggles were compounded by the investigation into his past conduct, which came to light in 2010 when police confronted him about the girl’s allegations.

Throughout the trial, Lawler maintained his innocence, asserting that his former residence in Weybridge was an open house for young people, including the victim, who had often stayed there. Despite his denials, the jury found him guilty of indecent assault, while acquitting him of two counts of rape and other charges. The court’s decision underscores the severity of the abuse and the lasting damage inflicted upon the victim, who continues to suffer from the consequences of Lawler’s actions.