Convicted Former Sports Coach Faces new Sexual Abuse Charges

How was the Abuse Allowed to Happen?

One of the most disturbing aspects of this case is the way in which Michael Green gained the trust of young boys and their families. The Court heard how one of the boys he abused regarded him as a “family friend” before being abused by him in his own home.

Detective Constable Nikki Thiim from the Sussex Police Complex Abuse Unit has commented on this element of Michael Green’s abuse, stating: “It is clear that for many years, Green has actively involved himself in families, befriending them, encouraging them to let him involve their sons in sport, giving him access to young and often vulnerable boys, who he systematically abused.”

“We have huge admiration for the courage the four latest victims have shown throughout the investigation and this trial.

“Their resilience to help see justice fully done, and the giving of their evidence at the trial has been remarkable.”

Unfortunately, we know that abusers often use positions of power to inflict suffering on their victims. Michael Green worked as an ice hockey coach in Brighton before moving on to be a sports coach at a boarding school in West Sussex. In both of these roles, he abused multiple children in his care, and there is thought to be more children, now adults, who are yet to come forward.

Has Safeguarding in Sports Improved?

In 2006, the government set out ways that organisations and individuals should be safeguarding vulnerable people, including children. This was done with the aim of making abuse and neglect easier to identify and act upon.

A safeguarding policy is often put into place where an organisation or group is based around children. Schools, nurseries, sports clubs and so on, will all have safeguarding measures in place to ensure that the children in their care are kept safe: proper vetting of staff and volunteers, noting what/ who could pose a risk to the children, how an organisation responds to allegations of neglect or abuse, etc.

More recently, in the case of the convicted football coach Alfie Morel, we’ve seen how safeguarding polices allowed the FA and other authoritative figures to recognise abuse in sports taking place and take the relevant steps to report it.

Despite this, we know that there are still improvements to be made.

In Michael Green’s case, we saw how he was able to move between clubs and educational settings without detection.

The advocate group Kyniska Advocacy referred to the lack of a “centralised licensing scheme”, meaning that even if an abusive coach receives a lifetime ban from one sport or club, they will not necessarily be banned from all sports and could take up another position.  

It is never too Late to report Historical Abuse

A civil action must be brought within a specified time limit. However, the time limits vary depending on the action you are taking and they can be extended in some circumstances.

How can an Abuse Solicitor Help?

We know how difficult it can be to speak out about any kind of abuse, especially if you’ve been keeping it to yourself for years or even decades. You might be feeling worried about bringing up traumatic memories, or that it’s too late to do anything about the abuse you experienced.

Our Child Abuse Solicitors have many years of combined experience in helping survivors of non-recent abuse. We understand that every person will have different circumstances and needs, we will tailor our service and communication to make sure you feel as comfortable and supported as possible throughout the claims process.

If you experienced abuse a long time ago, don’t be deterred from pursuing legal action. We’ll work hard to collate as much as evidence as we can to support your claim and help you to access the support and compensation you deserve. Call us on 0808 239 1287, because when you’re ready to talk, we’re ready to listen.