A former gymnastics coach has been jailed for 18 years after being found guilty of multiple sexual offences against young athletes in his care during the late 1980s and early 1990s.
Michael Haynes, 76, of Barnfield, Urmston, was sentenced today at Manchester Crown Court following a four-week trial. The jury found him guilty of nine counts of rape and 11 counts of sexual assault against two girls who attended Trafford School of Gymnastics.
The court heard how Haynes's crimes first came to light in September 2020, when one of his victims bravely contacted Greater Manchester Police to report the prolonged abuse she had suffered as a child.
During the trial, which concluded last week, prosecutors outlined how Haynes exploited his position of trust to abuse vulnerable young gymnasts. His first victim, who was just 11 years old when she joined the gymnastics club in the late 1980s, was initially assaulted during what appeared to be legitimate stretching exercises.
The abuse escalated over time, with more serious offences occurring in Haynes's vehicle while he was helping to transport the child to and from the gymnastics club.
A second victim came forward in December 2023 after learning that Haynes was facing trial. She told police how Haynes began grooming her when she was around 12 years old, asking inappropriate questions about her relationships before progressing to physical assault.
Both victims provided powerful impact statements that were read in court, describing the lasting effects of Haynes's abuse.
"Michael Haynes violated boundaries I hadn't yet learned how to name," said one survivor. "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, and I carried confusion and shame for many years."
The second victim, who had harboured dreams of becoming a British gymnast when she first joined the club aged 10 or 11, described feeling "lost and scared" after the abuse began.
"I have carried the weight and worry through life ever since," she said, but added that recent media coverage and documentaries about abuse in sport had helped her find the courage to come forward.
She praised the support she received throughout the legal process, saying: "For anyone considering coming forward in relation to historic sex offences, please know that Greater Manchester Police will believe you, they will support you and you will feel heard. Today's justice has been over 25 years in the making – and now it has been served."
Detective Inspector Rick Lees, of Trafford CID, described the investigation as "harrowing" and praised the survivors' bravery in coming forward.
"I cannot imagine the psychological effect that this abuse had on them over the years, and I hope today's sentencing brings some form of closure and a sense of justice," he said.
Police believe there may be additional victims from the same time period and are appealing for anyone affected to come forward.
"We would like to take this opportunity to appeal to anyone who has been a victim of any form of sexual abuse, whether it be recent or non-recent to please get in touch with us, no matter how long ago it was, we will listen to you, and we can help," DI Lees added.
According to records, Haynes remains listed as a director at Walton Park Sports Centre in Sale.
Anyone with information about this case or who wishes to report sexual abuse can contact Greater Manchester Police on 101 or speak to officers confidentially.
