A YOUTH coach who volunteered at Newcastle United has gone on trial for historic sex abuse of teenage footballers.
George Ormond, 62, denies 36 counts of indecent assault, one of indecency with a child and one of buggery and is on trial at Newcastle Crown Court.
He was a youth coach for a prominent club in the city and the charges concern 19 complainants and relate to a period spanning 1973-1998.
The jury heard how Ormond became involved with youth teams at Newcastle United, volunteering as a kit man, bus driver and general helper.
Sharon Beattie prosecuting, said: "He appeared popular with the young people, he was popular with the parents. Throughout that 20-year period he worked with young boys and young men and to many of them he would have been in a position of trust.
"He appeared to be someone who was a figure of authority and influence and this was something he at times cynically manipulated to his own advantage."
The case continues.
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