69-year-old swimming coach found guilty of assault after grabbing child by the arm

Read for instance Bournemouth Echo

A swimming coach who taught three generations of Dorset children is devastated after a ‘black cloud’ has been left hanging over her 50-year career.

Janet Hewitt, 69, was found guilty of assault by beating last week after Weymouth Magistrates’ Court heard that she grabbed a child by the arm after a swimming gala.

But the grandmother, of Garfield Avenue, Dorchester, said she has been ‘overwhelmed’ by support from pupils and parents past and present.

She said: “This might have ruined my life. For 51 years this sport has been my life, and now, to be accused of something like this has just devastated me.”

Mrs Hewitt said she also fears what the ruling will mean for other coaches and people who volunteer with youngsters.