A former Olympic coach has been given a 6.5 year jail term after being found guilty this afternoon of abusing boys at a public swimming pool.

51-year-old Ger Doyle of Emmet Place in Wexford was also the former manager of New Ross pool in Co. Wexford.

He was convicted by a jury at Kilkenny Circuit Court today.

The charges related to the abuse of children aged between 10 and 15-years-old from 1981 to 1993.

Judge Alice Doyle said the ex-swim coach used his position to sexually assault and manipulate children.

She said the offences were carefully planned and required secrecy.

The trial heard how he punished children who misbehaved by abusing them in the boiler room or his office at New Ross swimming pool.

He was unanimously found guilty on all 34 counts of indecent assault and 1 count of sexual assault.