Gymnastics coach in Trafford sentenced to 18 years following non-recent abuse against children

In September 2020, a woman bravely came forward to tell police of the prolonged abuse she suffered at the hands of a sports coach which spanned from the late 1980s to the early 1990s.

Today (29/05/2025), Michael Haynes (16/06/1948), of Barnfield, Urmston, was sentenced to 18 years in prison after he was found guilty of 9 counts of rape and 11 counts of sexual assault against two girls after a 4-week trial at Manchester Crown Court.

During the trial, which concluded last week, the court heard how in the late 80s, one of the victims, who was 11 at the time, joined Trafford School of Gymnastics. It was at the club that Haynes first sexually assaulted the victim by inappropriately touching her through her clothing while appearing to help her with stretching exercises.

This progressed over time from sexual touching to rape with offences occurring in his vehicle whilst he was assisting the victim’s family to transport her to and from the gymnastics club.

In December 2023, another woman learned that Haynes was to stand trial for sexual offences and bravely came forward to the police to report what happened to her.

When she was around 12 years old, she had already been at the gymnastics school for years with Haynes. He began inappropriately asking her about relationships with other boys her age and proceeded to touch her leg before sexually assaulting her.

The victims courageously released parts of their impact statements, which were read in court, to show the effects of the abuse they suffered from Haynes.

One of the victims said: “I joined your gym, at the age of 10/11 years old, a young kind-hearted child with the hopes and dreams of being a British Gymnast. When the abuse started shortly after, I felt lost and scared, and I have carried the weight and worry through life ever since.

“Through the power of social media and relevant documentaries, I have been comforted and inspired by the stories of other victims and their coping mechanisms. I have identified with their thoughts and struggles whilst learning to process what happened.

"This understanding, acceptance and sense of solidarity have eventually allowed me to take this step forward and report the abuse I suffered all those years ago.”

The other victim in the case said: “Michael Haynes violated boundaries I hadn’t yet learned how to name. I didn’t understand what had happened – or how I felt about it. I just knew something had shifted in me. Something had been taken by someone I trusted, and I carried confusion and shame for many years.

“I still live with the effects of what happened, but I also live with pride in who I’ve become. All you have left now is shame.”

She added: “I would like to thank Greater Manchester Police, Greater Manchester Crown Court, the Witness Care Service, and everyone involved in bringing about this conviction.

“It has been a lengthy process, but I have felt fully supported and informed the whole way through. For anyone considering coming forward in relation to historic sex offences, please know that Greater Manchester Police will believe you, they will support you and you will feel heard. Today's justice has been over 25 years in the making - and now it has been served.”

Detective Inspector Rick Lees, of Trafford’s CID, said: "This was a harrowing investigation, and I would like to thank the survivors for their bravery in coming forward after all these years and reporting what happened to them.

"I cannot imagine the psychological effect that this abuse had on them over the years, and I hope today's sentencing brings some form of closure and a sense of justice.

"Following our investigation, we believe there may be further victims who Haynes taught gymnastics from the same time period of the late 1980s to early 1990s, who may have previously felt unable to come forward.

“We would like to take this opportunity to appeal to anyone who has been a victim of any form of sexual abuse, whether it be recent or non-recent to please get in touch with us, no matter how long ago it was, we will listen to you, and we can help."

If you or someone you know has been raped or sexually assaulted, we encourage you not to suffer in silence and report it to the police, or a support agency so you can get the help and support available.

- Saint Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre, Manchester provides a comprehensive and co-ordinated response to men, women and children who live or have been sexually assaulted within Greater Manchester. They offer forensic medical examinations, practical and emotional support as well as a counselling service for all ages. Services are available on a 24-hour basis and can be accessed by calling 0161 276 6515.

- Greater Manchester Rape Crisis is a confidential information, support and counselling service run by women for women over 18 who have been raped or sexually abused at any time in their lives. Call on 0161 273 4500 or email [email protected]

- Survivors Manchester provides specialist trauma informed support to male victims in Greater Manchester who have experienced sexual abuse, rape or sexual exploitation. Call 0161 236 2182.