Gymnastics Coach Jailed for Sex Assaults on Young Girls
Norman Hogbin, 66, from Worthing, was sentenced at Chichester Crown Court on December 21 after being found guilty of 11 counts of sexual assault involving four young girls.
The jury delivered the verdict following a 12-day trial at Reading Crown Court. Hogbin will serve a prison term and is subject to an indefinite sexual harm prevention order.
Trust Betrayed Over Years of Abuse
Hogbin worked as a gymnastics instructor during the 1990s and early 2000s. The court heard how he groomed his victims over many years by showering them with gifts, favours, and winning over their parents’ trust.
Once trusted, Hogbin exploited his position to repeatedly sexually abuse girls, some as young as eight. His previous convictions for similar offences against female students were also revealed during the trial.
Detective Praises Victims’ Bravery
“My colleagues and I have nothing but the utmost admiration for the four women involved in this case. They have shown incredible courage and strength speaking out about the terrible impact of the abuse,” said Detective Sergeant Michaela Haddock.
“I hope this conviction gives them the justice they deserve after so many years. Abuse is abuse, no matter when it happened. If you have been a victim, please contact Sussex Police for support — you will be taken seriously.”
