Victims of a predatory paedophile who worked with Newcastle United’s youth players are taking legal action against the Premier League club, their solicitor has said.
George Ormond was jailed for 20 years in 2018 after he was convicted of carrying out a campaign of sexual abuse spanning 1973 to 1998.
Newcastle Crown Court was told how the youth coach used his power over impressionable and ambitious boys, one as young as 11, to sexually abuse them and keep them silent.
He was known to help out with youth sides at Newcastle United after doing well coaching juniors at a local club.
Ormond was convicted of 35 indecent assaults and one count of indecency.
Solicitor Thomas Beale, representing some of the survivors, said Newcastle United had denied liability for Ormond’s actions which he described as “very disappointing”.
Mr Beale, from London-based firm Bolt Burdon Kemp, said: “The club have had every opportunity to apologise for the terrible abuse perpetrated by Ormond and accept responsibility for what happened while he was at the club.
“By failing to accept responsibility and forcing the survivors to go through litigation, the club is causing yet further distress and trauma rather than helping the survivors to try to move forward with their lives”.
He added: “Clearly, this is not just about compensation.
“It is about Newcastle United accepting responsibility and apologising for their failings.
“I would really encourage the club to reconsider their stance and accept liability.”
Former Newcastle player David Eatock, who is one of those mounting a civil claim, told BBC Sport: “The one thing I’ve wanted is for people at the club to hold their hands up.
“For Newcastle not to take any responsibility is another disappointment.
“I had to fight to get Ormond convicted, but I didn’t expect to fight to get some sort of ownership from Newcastle. I just want some closure.”
Not all of Ormond’s victims were at Newcastle United – some played for the local junior team where he started coaching.
Newcastle United have been approached for comment.
