Former England Boxing coach denies sexual assault at trial

Michael Driscoll, is on trial at Lewes Crown Court <i>(Image: Sussex News and Pictures)</i>
Michael Driscoll, is on trial at Lewes Crown Court (Image: Sussex News and Pictures)
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A former England Boxing coach told a woman "I’m just going to have a grab" before he sexually assaulted her, a court heard.

Mick Driscoll, 57, wrapped both hands under her buttocks and made sexualised noises, a court heard.

He assaulted the woman in a boorish and entitled attempt at outdated seduction, a jury were told.

The former Olympic boxing coach denies sexual assault.

Oliver Dunkin for the Crown reminded the jury they needed to bring a cold, clear and analytical approach to the trial following the conviction of Russell Brand and after a ban on naming David Walliams was lifted.

"You will have seen the least well kept secret in the country and unless you’ve been living under a stone, you will be aware of the other thing going on at Southwark.

"We need from a jury, a cold clear and analytical approach.

"Our media is full of it because it grabs attention.

"The media is there to speak out for victims, but it is also there to grab attention and sensationalise.

"That has no part in criminal trial."

Mr Dunkin urged the jury to leave any sympathy, prejudice and strong personal views outside of their role.

The jury heard the incident took place ten years ago.

Mr Dunkin described the incident as an "uncomfortable, entitled, boorish episode inside this woman’s home."

The woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, told police she did not invite any sexual touching by him of any kind.

Michael Driscoll, is on trial at Lewes Crown Court (Image: Sussex News and Pictures)

Mr Dunkin described Mr Driscoll as trying to use a bit of "outdated seduction" when he arrived at the house wearing a lot of aftershave, a nice jumper, cans of lager and a bottle of red wine.

"He was invited to her home for a cup of tea and a chat and he thought he had the opportunity for a bit more than that," Mr Dunkin said.

"She was at home, alone, in jeans.

"To her, it was a surprise he turned up having made a bit of an effort.

"He was wearing a lot of aftershave and had brought a few lagers and a bottle of red wine."

When he got up to get himself another beer, the woman reminded Mr Driscoll he was driving.

"He said ‘We’ll see’," Mr Dunkin told the jury.

The woman told police she thought the night needed to come to an end and made it clear Mr Driscoll had to go.

Mr Dunkin said: "She stood up to give him a hug as a friendly gesture.

"His reply was ‘I’m just going to have a grab’.

"He grabbed both buttocks underneath the buttocks with both hands and made certain sexualised noises," Mr Dunkin said.

The woman told police she gave him the remaining beers so he would have no excuse to return.

The woman contacted police several years later after realising she needed to speak up.

Sussex Police recorded a video statement from the woman in September 2024.

Michael Driscoll was interviewed in December the same year.

He told police the woman had made him feel a bit awkward by giving him a tour of her house then hardly giving him a chance to speak, Mr Dunkin said.

"He said he told her he had to go.

"She approached him for a cuddle and he thought ‘Eh?’.

"He didn’t cuddle her back and left," Mr Dunkin said. "He denied dressing up for her and claimed she grabbed him.

"He denied any sexual touching, not even by accidental brushing."

Mr Driscoll described the complaint as malicious.

The award winning coach worked as a talent scout for England Boxing.

He oversaw the development of more than 100 national champions.

As a former boxer, he fought for the British title and narrowly missed being selected for the Seoul Olympics as light-welterweight.

The trial at Lewes Crown Court continues.

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