Former Waterford sports coach tied up boys to sexually abuse them, trial told

Man has pleaded not guilty to 266 counts of indecently and sexually assaulting five boys in locations in Waterford, Cork and Kilkenny on dates between 1978 and 1993

Complainants came into contact with the man when they were boys and teenagers in various ways including as a sports coach, a family friend and — in one case — through a mutual interest in soccer, court heard.

A former sports coach accused of 266 counts of indecent and sexual assault four decades ago tied up boys in the woods to engage in sexual acts with them, his trial has heard.

The 72-year-old Waterford man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has pleaded not guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to 266 counts of indecently and sexually assaulting five boys in locations in Waterford, Cork and Kilkenny on dates between 1978 and 1993.