PHILIP BANNING, FORMER ANDOVER ATHLETICS COACH, JAILED IN WINCHESTER
A former athletics coach from Andover, Philip Banning, has been sentenced to seven and a half years in prison for manipulating, abusing, and sexually violating schoolgirls, one of whom was just 11 years old.Banning, 68, carried out his abuses during the 1970s and 1980s, within the community of Andover.
After pleading guilty to 18 counts of indecent assault involving four under-16 girls, Banning addressed his victims in court, mouthing 'sorry' as the sentence was passed.
Prosecutor Tim Moores explained that Banning, now residing in Penhow, Wales, was once an Olympic hopeful, having competed at an international level for Team GB before returning to Andover Athletics Club as a qualified coach.
It was through his role as coach and mentor that he came into contact with the four complainants, eventually abusing them to varying degrees.
Mr.
Moores stated that Banning used his authority as coach to carry out a systematic campaign of abuse, which included assaults during car rides home from training sessions and during sports massages.
The court heard that one girl was just 11 years old when she was assaulted in Banning’s car, where he allegedly asked her, 'Is this something you've done before?' Two other girls were assaulted at Banning's home, specifically in a room beneath his stairs during a party where alcohol was permitted, and a third girl was assaulted after a chance encounter in Andover town centre, which led to her being abused in a local school field.
The victim impact statements read aloud in court revealed the profound effect Banning’s actions had on the women.
One survivor told him directly, 'You were my coach, my teacher, and you held a position of trust.
Instead of nurturing, you manipulated, violated, and sexually abused me.
I was left confused, violated, and too young to understand the true nature of your motives.
You took my childhood, my trust, my voice, my worth—and nearly my life.' She also recalled that Banning had given her a Valentine’s card when she was just 12, claiming it was his way of showing 'special love,' which only compounded her trauma.
Another survivor described her first kiss as a child—brutal and forceful—with Banning, which left her feeling shattered.
In court, Banning expressed remorse, mouthing 'sorry' as he was sentenced.
He was sentenced to seven and a half years’ imprisonment and will be required to register as a sex offender for life.
Judge Keith Cutler CBE emphasized the gravity of Banning’s betrayal, stating, 'You are responsible for what everyone agrees was a grave abuse of trust.
You groomed the girls, exploited your position, and sought sexual relief without regard for the significant impact on their lives.' Senior Investigating Officer Detective Inspector Toby Elcock commented on the case, saying, 'Initially denying the offences, Banning has now taken responsibility for his horrific reign of abuse, sparing the victims from a prolonged and difficult trial.
These girls were exploring their passion for sport—an important time in their lives—and it was ruined by Bannings’s appalling actions.
I hope they can now find some peace knowing justice has been served, and Banning will not be able to harm another child.'
