PHIL BANNING FROM NEWPORT AND ANDOVER ATHLETICS CLUB JAILED FOR ABUSING YOUNG GIRLS
In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the local community, Phil Banning, a 68-year-old former athlete and coach from Penhow, Newport, has been sentenced to seven and a half years in prison for a series of heinous sexual offenses committed against young girls.The crimes took place over a span of several years, from 1976 to 1982, at the Andover Athletics Club located in Hampshire, where Banning served as a coach and mentor.
During the proceedings at Winchester Crown Court, Banning pleaded guilty to 18 counts of indecent assault, acknowledging his misconduct.
The court heard that Banning exploited his position of authority and trust to groom and abuse four girls, some as young as 10 years old.
Judge Keith Cutler described Banning’s actions as a 'grave abuse of trust,' emphasizing how he manipulated young girls who looked up to him and saw him as a figure of authority and admiration.
Prosecutor Tim Moores detailed how the abuse was carried out under the guise of massages and private meetings arranged by Banning.
The court revealed that Banning often kissed girls who would line up to enter a dark room during a party held at his residence.
The allegations further stated that many of the assaults occurred during massages at Banning’s home, where he exploited the vulnerability of his young victims.
The criminal behavior first came to light when one of the victims contacted the police in 2017.
In a powerful statement delivered in court, she recounted her traumatic experience, revealing that the abuse began when she was just 10 years old.
She described feeling shame and fear, and expressed how her relationship with her family and others was deeply affected by Banning’s actions.
She told the court, 'I was 10 when you started to sexually abuse me and violate my body.
You left me with shame… sick with fear.' She also shared that her self-esteem was shattered, and she had come close to taking her own life due to the lasting impact of the abuse.
Another victim, visibly angry, pointed directly at Banning and recounted her own experience, stating, 'I was a 13-year-old child.
You were a 29-year-old man.
I don’t understand why I didn’t say no.
We were made to feel small.' She expressed her frustration and confusion over why she felt powerless to resist the abuse.
A third woman, who had kept her 'dirty secret' for over four decades, read a statement in court, describing how Banning's actions shattered her dreams and left her feeling disgusting.
She said, 'He shattered my dreams and I felt disgusting,' highlighting the long-lasting emotional scars inflicted by Banning’s misconduct.
Throughout the court proceedings, Banning, a former Team GB runner and secondary school teacher, mouthed the word 'sorry' to the victims present in the courtroom.
Despite his remorse, the judge made it clear that Banning’s grooming and abuse were driven by his desire for sexual relief, exploiting his status as a well-known local athlete.
Judge Cutler ordered that six charges of indecent assault be left on file, and sentenced Banning to seven and a half years in prison for his crimes, marking a significant victory for justice and the victims involved.
