Robert Spink

Robert Spink, a former volunteer at Becontree Swimming Club, was jailed in April 2026 for historical child sex offences that took place in the 1990s. The abuse occurred when Spink was in his mid-40s and his victim was under the age of 16.

Spink, of Meadway in Canvey Island, Essex, was found guilty of three counts of indecent assault on a boy following a trial at Snaresbrook Crown Court. The court heard how he exploited his position of trust as a swimming coach to carry out the abuse.

In a powerful impact statement read to the court, the victim described how the trauma had affected every aspect of his life. He said: “My childhood was changed forever, all because of this one man. Before this incident, Robert Spink was a person I trusted. He was a lot older than me so I had no reason or knowledge not to trust him.”

The victim added: “I will never forget what I experienced at the hands of Robert Spink. Robert Spink may have changed how my life went but I’m now determined to focus on the positives – my family around me and the ones I love.”

Sentencing Spink to four-and-a-half years in prison, the judge condemned him for abusing his position of trust to prey on a child. The case highlights the lasting damage caused by sexual offences and demonstrates that justice can be served even decades after the crimes were committed.