Tennis coach jailed for sex abuse

Barry Heffernan pleaded guilty to 10 offences

A Hertfordshire tennis coach who sexually assaulted two young players who came to him for lessons has been jailed for five-and-a-half years.

Barry Heffernan, 47, indecently assault one girl on a weekly basis, St Albans Crown Court heard.

He took a second girl back to his apartment and carried out sex acts, the court was told.

Heffernan, from Evans Wharf, Hemel Hempstead, admitted indecent assault and sexual activity with a child.

The court heard that, because both girls dreamed of being star players they kept silent about the abuse, fearing he would stop coaching them.

Prosecutor Jane Bickerstaff said in each case the abuse started when the girls were about 14.

'Element of grooming'

Miss Bickerstaff said Heffernan gave the first of them gifts, including sunglasses, rackets and a tennis bag.

As the abuse continued the girl began exhibiting psychological problems which included anorexia, anxiety and depression.

The court heard that when she was 16 the girl told Heffernan to stop what he was doing.

Miss Bickerstaff said Heffernan then turned his attentions to the second girl.

When she was 15, Heffernan began taking her to his flat to abuse her.

Defending, Tom Kark said Heffernan was now "genuinely ashamed" and realised he had brought tennis coaching into disrepute.

Judge Stephen Warner told Heffernan "It's clear you were attracted to girls of this age and there is an element of grooming displayed here."

The judge disqualified him from working from children indefinitely and said his name must now go on the sexual offenders register.