Gardaí send file to DPP recommending sex abuse charges be brought against ex swim coach

The lengthy file includes recommendations that he should be charged with several sexual offences and follows an investigation by specialist detectives attached to the National Protective Services Bureau.

Gardaí are now awaiting a decision from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) on whether there is sufficient evidence to bring charges against Gibney.

The disgraced coach, who is now aged in his 70s, left Ireland over 30 years ago and was last reportedly living in the United States.

The former national team and Olympic swimming coach was arrested and charged in April 1993 accused of raping seven boys and girls.

These allegations dated as far back as 1966 up to 1982. However, he won a judicial review in the High Court to halt the proceedings and he was never prosecuted, while the decision was never appealed by the State.

The DPP also directed that he should not be prosecuted following a second investigation in 1996 after a number of other young swimmers were allegedly sexually abused by him.

After leaving Ireland, he initially moved to Scotland before travelling to the US and was last known to be living in Orlando, Florida.

The recent allegations being investigated by gardaí follow the broadcast of a BBC podcast, ‘Where is George Gibney’, three years ago, in which a number of victims recounted allegations of abuse.

The investigation was taken up by the National Protective Services Bureau, which included interviewing new complainants and taking formal statements.

A garda spokesperson confirmed that a file has been sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions and that investigations are ongoing.

If State prosecutors direct that he should face charges, authorities would seek his removal to Ireland from the US through a formal extradition agreement in place between the two countries.