Former England Boxing coach on trial for sexual assault at Lewes Crown Court
Mick Driscoll, 57, allegedly told a woman "I'm just going to have a grab" before assaulting her. The former Olympic coach denies all charges.
Ex-England Boxing coach 'grabbed woman's buttocks and made sexualised noises', jury told
A former England Boxing coach told a woman "I'm just going to have a grab" moments before he sexually assaulted her, Lewes Crown Court has heard. The Argus reports that Mick Driscoll, 57, then wrapped both hands beneath her buttocks and made sexualised noises.
Driscoll, who worked as a talent scout for England Boxing and oversaw the development of more than 100 national champions, denies sexual assault. As a former competitive boxer, he narrowly missed selection for the Seoul Olympics as a light-welterweight and later fought for the British title.
Prosecution opens its case
Prosecuting counsel Oliver Dunkin told the jury the incident took place approximately ten years ago inside the woman's home. He described it as "an uncomfortable, entitled, boorish episode" in which Driscoll had attempted "a bit of outdated seduction."
Dunkin said Driscoll arrived at the woman's home wearing a noticeable amount of aftershave and carrying cans of lager and a bottle of red wine. "He was invited to her home for a cup of tea and a chat and he thought he had the opportunity for a bit more than that," Dunkin told the jury. The woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was at home alone and dressed casually in jeans.
When Driscoll rose to get himself another beer, the woman reminded him he was driving. "He said 'We'll see'," Dunkin told the court.
'She stood up to give him a hug as a friendly gesture'
The woman told police she felt the evening needed to come to an end and made clear to Driscoll that he should leave. According to Dunkin, she stood to offer him a friendly hug. Driscoll's response, the court heard, was: "I'm just going to have a grab." He then grabbed both her buttocks with both hands while making sexualised noises.
After the incident, the woman gave him the remaining beers so he would have no reason to return.
She contacted police several years later, having decided she needed to speak up. Sussex Police recorded a formal video statement from her in September 2024. Driscoll was interviewed by officers in December of the same year.
Defendant's account
Driscoll told police the woman had made him feel uncomfortable by giving him a tour of her home and barely allowing him to speak. He said he told her he had to leave, and that she then approached him for a cuddle — a gesture that surprised him. Driscoll said he did not reciprocate and left.
He denied dressing up for the occasion and claimed that it was the woman who had made physical contact with him. He denied any sexual touching, including accidental contact, and described the complaint against him as malicious.
Jury urged to remain analytical
Dunkin opened his address by urging the jury to adopt a "cold, clear and analytical approach" to the trial, referencing two high-profile cases in the public domain — the conviction of Russell Brand and the lifting of a reporting restriction in a separate matter at Southwark Crown Court.
"Our media is full of it because it grabs attention," Dunkin said. "The media is there to speak out for victims, but it is also there to grab attention and sensationalise. That has no part in a criminal trial." He asked jurors to set aside sympathy, prejudice and strong personal views when considering the evidence.
The woman told police she did not invite any sexual touching by Driscoll of any kind.
The trial at Lewes Crown Court continues.
Source: The Argus