DARRELL BUNN FROM BROMSGROVE ESCAPES JAIL DESPITE SEXUAL ABUSE OF SCHOOLGIRL IN BIRMINGHAM

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the local community, Darrell Bunn, a former Olympic coach and educator from Bromsgrove, narrowly avoided imprisonment after being convicted of sexually abusing a vulnerable schoolgirl during the late 1980s. The incident, which took place in Birmingham, has brought to light the disturbing history of a man once revered in the sporting world.

Darrell Bunn, who was also the head of Physical Education at a Birmingham school and held a coaching position at the renowned Birchfield Harriers athletics club, appeared before Birmingham Crown Court to face charges related to his past misconduct. The court was informed that Bunn, now 64 years old and residing on Birmingham Road in Bromsgrove, had admitted to nine counts of indecent assault and two counts of child abduction. The offences occurred during the years 1988 and 1989, when Bunn was in his late 30s, and involved a girl described as vulnerable by the court.

The judge, Stuart Rafferty, delivered a sentence that many found surprising given the gravity of the crimes. Bunn was handed a two-year prison sentence, suspended for two years, meaning he would not serve time unless he committed another offence within that period. The judge expressed sympathy for Bunn’s health, revealing that he was suffering from “progressive and ultimately incurable cancer.”

In his remarks, Judge Rafferty stated, “Had you been a well man you would have gone down.” He acknowledged the long-standing secret shared between Bunn and the victim, noting that it had become an unbearable burden for her. The judge clarified that Bunn was not considered a sexual predator on the scale of Jimmy Savile, but his health issues played a significant role in the sentencing decision.

Prosecutor Alistair Redford outlined the details of the case, revealing that the abuse began when the girl was just 15 years old and continued over a period of approximately a year. The relationship, which started as consensual, eventually involved full sexual activity. Mr. Redford added that the victim, now 41, may have confided in friends about the abuse around ten years ago but did not report it to authorities until July of the previous year.

In addition to the prison sentence, Bunn was ordered to register as a sex offender for a decade. His defense lawyer, Kristina Montgomery, argued that Bunn’s feelings for the girl went beyond sexual desire, describing an emotional connection that complicated the case. She emphasized that Bunn had acknowledged his guilt early on, citing his age and poor health as mitigating factors.

Montgomery highlighted Bunn’s contributions to society, noting his voluntary work and dedication to coaching young athletes, including the renowned Olympic gold medalist Denise Lewis, who hails from West Bromwich. Although there is no evidence linking Lewis to the offences, her association with Bunn was mentioned. Bunn’s career also included serving as a national coach for heptathlon, with participation in Olympic, Commonwealth, and European competitions. British Athletics confirmed that his coaching license had been suspended prior to sentencing.

The case has left a lasting impact on the community, raising questions about the safety and oversight of individuals in positions of authority within the sporting and educational sectors. Despite his health issues and the serious nature of his crimes, Bunn’s case underscores the complex interplay between justice, health, and the legacy of a once-respected coach from Bromsgrove.