Sweeney ban after sex probe

Former international triple jumper Joe Sweeney was banned from coaching for seven years today following allegations that he was sexually and physically abusing female athletes in his care.

Sweeney, 38, was handed the sanction after an investigation by UK Athletics who had received complaints from athletes about his behaviour between May and July 2002.

Sweeney, who was ranked among the country's top triple jumpers in the 1990s and was a Southern Counties champion four times, was found guilty of "abusing his position as a coach to engage in inappropriate encounters with young vulnerable female adults".

The national governing body said it had now finished dealing with an appeal from Sweeney.

It said: "The Appeal Committee found that the charge of misconduct was clearly made out and that Mr Sweeney's conduct was extremely reprehensible.

"The Appeal Committee concluded that the only appropriate sanction included the removal of the UK Athletics accredited coaching status and qualification from Mr Sweeney for a period of seven years from 5 November 2003, after which he would be able to reapply."

UK Athletics has been investigation the allegations for several months and held interviews with the female athletes involved, who have not been identified.

The governing body also interviewed other athletes coached by Sweeney and then held a disciplinary hearing followed by an appeal. UK Athletics said: "The independent Disciplinary Committee found that Mr Sweeney had engaged in inappropriate encounters with young vulnerable female adults under his care and that he had been unable to control his temper and to keep his private emotional affairs out of the coaching environment.

"Mr Sweeney accepted the facts found by the Disciplinary Committee, but appealed on the grounds that the sanction imposed was disproportionate."

During a coaching career that has spanned more than a decade, Sweeney has worked with some of the world's leading jumpers.

They have included the triple jumpers Julian Golley, of Blackheath, who beat Jonathan Edwards to win the gold medal in the 1994 Commonwealth Games, and Windsor's Michelle Griffith, the former UK record holder. Sweeney also once advised Australia's Nicole Boegman, the 1990 Commonwealth long jump champion. None of this trio was involved in the current investigation.

Adam Walker, UK Athletics Deputy Chief Executive said: "Maintaining a strong athletics welfare policy is of paramount importance to UK Athletics.

"It is always disappointing to have to deal with such an issue, but UK Athletics will always investigate any complaint to ensure athletics maintains a safe and enjoyable environment for all those who participate in it."