Sydney swimming coach Dick Caine found guilty on historic charges of rape and sexual assault of young athletes

Former elite Australian swimming coach Richard 'Dick' Caine has been convicted on charges of dozens of sexual assaults on athletes as young as 10.

Caine, now aged in his late 70s, has been found guilty over committing 39 acts, including rape and indecent assault, on female members of his squad who trained under him in the 1970s and 1980s.

The assaults took place at the Kogarah War Memorial Pool at Carss Park in Sydney’s south, as well as at Caine’s home and in his car.

In handing down verdicts in the NSW District Court today, Judge Paul McGuire said he found the evidence given by the victims was reliable despite the significant amount of time that had passed since the incidents.

Judge McGuire advised “I am satisfied that each of the elements of each of the offences has been established beyond reasonable doubt.”

Judge McGuire found the coach had an interest in pre-pubescent and pubescent girls and acted on that interest, including raping a girl who was 10 years old at the time.

The Court heard one of the victims held genuine Olympic and Commonwealth games aspirations that had been dashed due to Caine’s conduct.

A number of the victims gave evidence they were scared of Caine because of his authority and coaching style.

Multiple victims reported the presence of pornography and alcohol at the coach’s home and reported seeing the accused’s horse, which prosecutors argued gave credence to their claims.

One of the victims gave a “graphic” account of having her hands tied, while afterwards she remembered seeing a used condom next to the bed.

Prosecutors submitted the victim’s account was “so detailed and so compelling” that it must be true.

Lawyers for Caine argued the evidence related to incidents that took place about 50 years ago and was unreliable.

However, Judge McGuire found all of the victims’ evidence to be honest and reliable, including them willingly making concessions about details they could not remember exactly.

He noted one gave compelling evidence “she would not be putting herself, her husband and her family through this if what she was saying was a lie”.

Caine, who once trained a number of swimmers who became Olympic and world champions, is now in palliative care, reportedly with cancer and dementia.

He was excused from answering the allegations directly, meaning the case was heard by way of a special hearing in lieu of a trial.

The matter will return to court on 6th December to determine a penalty.

Information and support for anyone affected by rape or sexual abuse issues is available from the following organisations:

• 1800Respect (1800 737 732).

• National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service 1800 211 028

• Children, young adults, parents and teachers can contact the Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800, or Bravehearts on 1800 272 831, and adult survivors can contact Blue Knot Foundation on 1300 657 380.

Image: Former swimming coach Richard 'Dick' Caine. Credit: Facebook.