IRISH TENNIS COACH SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES IN UK

A 33-year-old former tennis coach, with an address in Co Leitrim, has been sentenced to six and a half years in prison for multiple child sex offences in Britain. Sean Francis McGranaghan, of Mill Apartments, Dromahair, was found guilty by a jury of two counts of attempting sexual communication with a child and two counts of attempting to incite a child to engage in sexual activity. He had initially pleaded not guilty and was sentenced at Bristol Crown Court following an investigation by the UK's South West Regional Organised Crime Unit (SWROCU) last month. Detective Inspector David Wells from SWROCU stated, "Sean McGranaghan is a dangerous individual who has never admitted any liability for his heinous crimes." He emphasized that the judge handed him a significant custodial sentence to ensure he no longer poses a risk to children while incarcerated. McGranaghan came to the attention of SWROCU after making online contact with what he believed was a child, but was actually a covert officer in January 2023. The investigation revealed he was residing in Ireland at that time. Later last year, covert officers within the Metropolitan Police also engaged with him online. He was arrested at Gatwick Airport in May 2023 by SWROCU officers and had been on bail in the UK awaiting court proceedings. McGranaghan has a background working as a tennis coach in the northwest of Ireland in recent years. He was handed an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order and will be on the Sexual Offenders Register for life. The South West Regional Organised Crime Unit noted he was not traveling from Ireland during his arrest at Gatwick and confirmed cooperation with An Garda Síochána. The investigation was part of efforts to combat online child sexual abuse. Sligo Tennis Club issued a statement informing members of his conviction and emphasized that no inappropriate conduct had occurred at the club, highlighting that he was Garda-vetted and had all necessary coaching qualifications. The club is committed to maintaining a safe environment. Kevin Quinn, CEO of Tennis Ireland, added McGranaghan worked at at least four clubs across Ireland, including clubs in Donegal, Leitrim, and Mayo. The court also imposed a lifelong Sexual Harm Prevention Order on him, and he remains on the Sex Offenders Register for life.