Nicholas Manning: Former Nar Nar Goon Football Club coach in court
A respected football coach in the state’s east has been accused of the vile abuse of a young boy.
South East
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A former football coach has been accused of the historical abuse of a young boy.
Former Nar Nar Goon Football Club assistant coach Nicholas Manning, 75, fronted the Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on Friday charged with indecent assault of one of his teen players in 1976.
The court heard Manning “often” bought his players six packs of beer after their games on Saturday afternoons before driving them around town in groups or as individuals.
Manning’s charge relates to an alleged incident which occurred between August and September 1976 after the then 32-year-old had bought alcohol for one of his under-14 players before taking him for a drive.
The boy allegedly fell asleep in the passenger seat after drinking the alcohol and woke up to Manning performing a lewd act on him.
“He found (Manning) had unzipped his jeans … (Manning) was using his hands to rub (the victim’s genitalia),” the court heard.
The boy immediately jumped out of Manning’s car and sprinted down the street to get home.
The court heard the alleged victim felt “too ashamed” to tell anyone of the alleged incident until he told loved ones in 2011 and 2016.
In an interview at Caulfield police station Manning admitted to frequently purchasing alcohol for his players and driving them in his car.
Manning acknowledged he knew his alleged victim but denied touching the boy in his car.
“Sorry I deny it, I don’t remember, sorry I deny everything,” he told officers.
Manning maintained he did not remember the incident at the beginning of Friday’s hearing however lawyer Tony Danos indicated his client intended to plead guilty 45 minutes later.
He said Manning suffered from diabetes, anxiety and depression.
Manning lives in Caulfield and is the carer of his sick wife, the court heard.
“He’s elderly, unwell and remorseful … his psychologist says he (shows) genuine empathy, sincere remorse,” Mr Danos said.
“He has undergone two very lengthy sentences for much more serious offending.
“His goal is to continue his work with his psychologist and he fears going back to jail.”
The prosecution said the incident had a “lasting impact” on the victim.
“(Manning) might not remember … but the victim remembers,” the prosecution said.
Manning will be assessed for a corrections order before he returns to court on June 2.