Gymnastics coach in Trafford sentenced to 18 years following non-recent abuse against children
Michael Haynes, a gymnastics coach from Trafford, has been sentenced to 18 years in prison for multiple counts of rape and sexual assault against two girls in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The victims, who were as young as 11 at the time, bravely came forward to report the abuse, leading to a four-week trial at Manchester Crown Court. The court heard how Haynes exploited his position of trust to commit the offences, which included inappropriate touching and rape. The victims shared emotional impact statements, detailing the long-term psychological effects of the abuse. Authorities believe there may be more victims and encourage others to come forward.
Former Gymnastics Coach Sentenced to 18 Years for Decades-Old Sexual Abuse
Michael Haynes, a 76-year-old former gymnastics coach from Barnfield, Urmston, was sentenced to 18 years in prison at Manchester Crown Court today for sexually abusing two young girls during the late 1980s and early 1990s. The conviction follows a four-week trial where Haynes was found guilty of nine counts of rape and 11 counts of sexual assault.
The abuse began when one victim, just 11 years old, joined Trafford School of Gymnastics. Haynes initially assaulted her under the guise of helping with stretching exercises, progressing to rape in his vehicle while transporting her to and from training sessions. A second victim came forward in December 2023 after learning Haynes faced trial, revealing similar abuse that began when she was around 12 years old.
Both women, now adults, released portions of their impact statements describing decades of trauma. One victim stated: “I joined your gym, at the age of 10/11 years old, a young kind-hearted child with the hopes and dreams of being a British Gymnast. When the abuse started shortly after, I felt lost and scared, and I have carried the weight and worry through life ever since.”
The second victim addressed Haynes directly: “Michael Haynes violated boundaries I hadn’t yet learned how to name. I didn’t understand what had happened - or how I felt about it. I just knew something had shifted in me. Something had been taken by someone I trusted.”
Detective Inspector Rick Lees of Trafford’s CID praised the survivors’ courage and appealed for other potential victims to come forward, noting investigators believe there may be additional victims from the same time period who have not yet reported their abuse.
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