A former gymnastics coach has been found guilty on four out of eight charges of indecent
A former gymnastics coach has been found guilty on four out of eight charges of indecent assault, against young girls, aged ten to 15.
After two days of deliberations, a jury of five women and two men returned the verdicts against 62 year old Hal Volante this afternoon.
There was no reaction from the defendant as the verdicts were read out at Douglas Courthouse, and sentencing has been adjourned until May 1st, while social reports are prepared.
Volante, who has to register under the Sex Offenders Act in the next two days, was told by Acting Deemster Sullivan that a prison sentence was highly likely.
Throughout his trial, Volante denied any improper behaviour, but the prosecution said he was a manipulative man who posed a menace to the girls in his care and couldn't keep his hands to himself. After an adjournment of about quarter of an hour he decided to revoke his right to bail, and will remain in custody until he is sentenced.
(Picture: Douglas Courthouse).
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