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