PETER LAWLER FROM COCKERMOUTH AND WEYBRIDGE ESCAPES JAIL AFTER INDECENT ASSAULT ON TEENAGE ATHLETE
| Red Rose Database
Cockermouth Weybridge Sexual Abuser
In a case that has sent shockwaves through the local communities of Weybridge and Cockermouth, Peter Lawler, aged 71, narrowly avoided serving time in prison after being convicted of indecent assault against a young girl. The incident took place during his time as a coach at the Elmbridge Canoe Club, located on Walton Lane in Weybridge, where he was known for his expertise and leadership in the sport.
Lawler, who now resides in Cockermouth, Cumbria, appeared before Guildford Crown Court to face charges related to his misconduct. The court heard that he exploited his position of trust while coaching top-tier athletes, including the victim, a girl who was just 13 years old at the time. The jury found Lawler guilty in June of the offence of indecent assault, which occurred between September 1, 1988, and May 23, 1990.
During the proceedings, it was revealed that Lawler, who was wheelchair-bound following a fall from a horse in 2008 that resulted in a broken spine, had developed a close relationship with the young girl. This relationship was so significant that Lawler was invited to a family dinner, indicating a level of trust and familiarity that he later abused. The court was told that Lawler began to make unwanted advances towards the girl when she was only 13, after gaining her trust and that of her parents.
The victim, who had previously achieved medals in junior championships across the UK, eventually withdrew from her beloved sport to escape Lawler’s influence. She later described her struggles, blaming the abuse for her subsequent battles with alcohol, drugs, and self-harm. Her statement, read aloud in court, expressed her desire for justice, stating, “All I want is to be believed. I want this trial to go ahead so that everyone knows what he has done.”
Judge Neil Stewart addressed the court, describing the nature of Lawler’s misconduct. He detailed that the abuse included inappropriate touching and acts behind bushes during group runs, as well as an incident at the victim’s parents’ home where Lawler allegedly rubbed his foot against her groin during a meal. The judge emphasized the gravity of Lawler’s breach of trust, noting his role as an experienced canoeist and coach who had contributed significantly to the sport at a high level.
Judge Stewart remarked, “It is an aggravating feature of this case that you were in a position of trust and to breach that is a serious matter.” He pointed out that Lawler committed these acts when he was between 47 and 49 years old. Although the victim reported the abuse to friends shortly after it happened, she only came forward to the police several years later. The judge acknowledged the emotional toll the abuse had taken on her, stating, “It is quite clear that since that time she has had a great deal of difficulty in her life emotionally and exactly what contribution that difficulty was made by your conduct is a matter I do not want to estimate, but I have no doubt it plays a significant part in her struggles.”
Lawler’s history of injury and depression was also discussed during the trial. His paralysis from the waist down, resulting from a fall from a horse in 2008, had led to a period of depression. Despite his physical challenges, Lawler had previously represented Great Britain in three Olympic Games and was coaching during the Seoul Olympics when the abuse occurred.
In sentencing, Judge Stewart handed Lawler a nine-month prison sentence, which was suspended for two years. This means Lawler will not serve time unless he commits another offence within that period. The case has left a lasting impact on the victim and highlights the importance of safeguarding vulnerable individuals in positions of authority within sports and community settings.
Lawler, who now resides in Cockermouth, Cumbria, appeared before Guildford Crown Court to face charges related to his misconduct. The court heard that he exploited his position of trust while coaching top-tier athletes, including the victim, a girl who was just 13 years old at the time. The jury found Lawler guilty in June of the offence of indecent assault, which occurred between September 1, 1988, and May 23, 1990.
During the proceedings, it was revealed that Lawler, who was wheelchair-bound following a fall from a horse in 2008 that resulted in a broken spine, had developed a close relationship with the young girl. This relationship was so significant that Lawler was invited to a family dinner, indicating a level of trust and familiarity that he later abused. The court was told that Lawler began to make unwanted advances towards the girl when she was only 13, after gaining her trust and that of her parents.
The victim, who had previously achieved medals in junior championships across the UK, eventually withdrew from her beloved sport to escape Lawler’s influence. She later described her struggles, blaming the abuse for her subsequent battles with alcohol, drugs, and self-harm. Her statement, read aloud in court, expressed her desire for justice, stating, “All I want is to be believed. I want this trial to go ahead so that everyone knows what he has done.”
Judge Neil Stewart addressed the court, describing the nature of Lawler’s misconduct. He detailed that the abuse included inappropriate touching and acts behind bushes during group runs, as well as an incident at the victim’s parents’ home where Lawler allegedly rubbed his foot against her groin during a meal. The judge emphasized the gravity of Lawler’s breach of trust, noting his role as an experienced canoeist and coach who had contributed significantly to the sport at a high level.
Judge Stewart remarked, “It is an aggravating feature of this case that you were in a position of trust and to breach that is a serious matter.” He pointed out that Lawler committed these acts when he was between 47 and 49 years old. Although the victim reported the abuse to friends shortly after it happened, she only came forward to the police several years later. The judge acknowledged the emotional toll the abuse had taken on her, stating, “It is quite clear that since that time she has had a great deal of difficulty in her life emotionally and exactly what contribution that difficulty was made by your conduct is a matter I do not want to estimate, but I have no doubt it plays a significant part in her struggles.”
Lawler’s history of injury and depression was also discussed during the trial. His paralysis from the waist down, resulting from a fall from a horse in 2008, had led to a period of depression. Despite his physical challenges, Lawler had previously represented Great Britain in three Olympic Games and was coaching during the Seoul Olympics when the abuse occurred.
In sentencing, Judge Stewart handed Lawler a nine-month prison sentence, which was suspended for two years. This means Lawler will not serve time unless he commits another offence within that period. The case has left a lasting impact on the victim and highlights the importance of safeguarding vulnerable individuals in positions of authority within sports and community settings.