PAUL ROMANG BROADSTAIRS FENCING COACH SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF PUPIL IN CANTERBURY

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the local community of Broadstairs and the surrounding areas, fencing coach Paul Romang has been handed a suspended prison sentence after being convicted of sexually abusing a former pupil. The incident, which took place in Canterbury, has highlighted serious concerns about trust and misconduct within the realm of youth sports and coaching.

Romang, aged 59 and residing on Grange Way in Broadstairs, was found guilty at Canterbury Crown Court in October of engaging in sexual activity with a minor while occupying a position of trust. The court proceedings revealed disturbing details about Romang’s inappropriate behavior and the manipulative tactics he employed to gain the trust of his young victim.

During the sentencing hearing, Judge Adele Williams emphasized that the conviction was based on clear and compelling evidence. Despite Romang’s persistent denial of the allegations, the judge made it clear that the evidence against him was overwhelming. Addressing Romang directly, Judge Williams stated, “The only person you are deluding is yourself.”

The court heard that Romang, a respected figure in the fencing community, had become obsessed with the teenage girl. He showered her with gifts, including jewelry, and made promises of travel and international competitions, all in an attempt to foster a sense of closeness and trust. The judge detailed how Romang’s manipulative behavior extended beyond words, as he paid for her travel expenses and made suggestive physical contact during car journeys, touching her leg and hands, and even kissing her.

The incident in question occurred when the girl was staying at Romang’s home to dog sit while he and his wife attended a wedding. The following morning, as they prepared for a fencing competition, Romang entered her room in the early hours claiming she needed a massage due to back tension. What began as a massage quickly turned into a distressing and inappropriate assault, as Romang touched her buttocks, breasts, and legs. Judge Williams remarked that the girl likely found the experience frightening and distressing, emphasizing that Romang’s actions were solely for his own sexual gratification.

Further, the judge pointed out that Romang’s behavior was compounded by his abuse of a position of trust. She noted his forceful personality and the difficulty the girl must have faced in resisting his advances. When she attempted to distance herself from him and reject his advances, Romang’s response was to display unwarranted jealousy, particularly concerning her relationship with her boyfriend.

Although the court acknowledged that the severity of the offense met the criteria for immediate custody, Judge Williams decided to suspend the sentence, citing the circumstances of the case. Romang was sentenced to six months in prison, suspended for two years. Additionally, he will be subject to a range of restrictions, including two years of supervision, a curfew from 9 pm to 6 am for the next three months, and a sex offenders prevention order. He will also be required to register as a sex offender for seven years and is permanently barred from working with children.

This case underscores the importance of vigilance and safeguarding within youth sports and coaching environments, and it serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact that breaches of trust can have on vulnerable individuals and their communities.