Hedge End athletics coach filmed girl with hidden camera

This formed part of a years-long catalogue of sexual abuse against her which her mum said has left her suicidal.

Terence Price, who helped 'generations of athletes to excel at hurling', was jailed at Southampton Crown Court on Thursday after the 66-year-old was convicted by a jury of 13 counts of sexual abuse.

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The court heard how the former hurling coach had abused the girl since she was young and continued for several years.

The offences, which took place in Hedge End, include three counts of sexual assault, two counts of assaulting a child under 13 by penetration, and five more of sexual activity with a child.Price was also convicted of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, taking indecent photographs of a child and voyeurism.

Speaking at the sentencing hearing, Judge Peter Henry said the voyeurism was “illustrative of a man who had become obsessed with [his victim]".

He described the offending as “revolting” and “harmful” adding: “It may be that the effect of what you were doing early on didn’t register so graphically with (the victim) because of her age.”

But as she got older she began writing down what Price had done.

The 66-year-old later found these notes and photographed them, and having realised “the game was up”, Price began “concocting a story to try and undermine [the victim’s] account”, said the judge.

Terence Price. (Image: Hampshire Constabulary)

Price, now of Down View Way, Clanfield, was jailed for 15 years.

He was acquitted at trial of a further five charges.

However, the victim’s mother told the Echo that the sentence is “not enough”, adding: “I don’t think any amount of time will be enough for what he has done.

“It is going to affect her for a lot longer than that. It’s been devastating for the whole family. It has taken so much from her.

“Every single part of her life has been impacted. She is suicidal. She is incredibly anxious. She has complex PTSD.”

Judge Henry added that Price had been “grooming her at a young impressionable age” causing her to “misguidedly in her youth” think she was in love with him.

He said: “That is how offenders like you are able to take advantage of children.

“This was a course of conduct starting when (the victim) was extremely young and going on for years.”

But mitigating, John Dyer said the incidents were “opportunistic” and unplanned.

His client has medical conditions including diabetes and high blood pressure and has been put on watch at HMP Winchester where he was held on remand.

He added: “He has helped generations of athletes to excel at hurling. [There is] no general perversion. No general apparent interest in young girls."

He added that Price has led an otherwise "exemplary life” having not offended before and previously served in the Navy in Northern Ireland and the Falklands.

Price shook his head in the dock as his sentence was handed down, throwing his arms to his side when he was told the length.

If you have been affected by this story and need support, the Samaritans charity is there for you. Call 116 123.