Former boxing star Mick Driscoll has denied sexually assaulting a woman, telling a jury at Lewes Crown Court that the accusations against him are untrue and based on “lies.”
The 56-year-old, a former light-welterweight champion and respected England Boxing coach, is accused of forcing his way into a woman’s hotel room between 6:30 and 7:00 BST one morning in 2019.
The woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, alleges Driscoll entered uninvited, picked her up, threw her onto the bed, and attempted to tear off her clothes. She claims she was able to fight him off while answering a phone call, during which Driscoll undressed.
Driscoll, from Portsmouth, denies the account. He told the jury that the woman was wearing “black silk underwear” and attempted to seduce him, a suggestion prosecutors described as fabricated.
Prosecutor Oliver Dunkin dismissed the coach’s claims as “nonsense,” stating that Driscoll had “made it up.” The court heard that the pair had been drinking together the night before, but seven and a half hours after parting ways, Driscoll allegedly “barged” into her hotel room. Dunkin said the former champion was “slobbering all over her face” and ignored the woman’s resistance.
The woman denied Driscoll’s version of events, insisting she was not dressed in the way he described. She recounted feeling terrified as he “jumped on top of her” and forcefully tried to assault her.
Driscoll rejected this narrative, testifying: “It’s a lie about the attack and it’s a lie about the phone call. I’m not sure what happened, but she had a bad reaction.”
The former boxer also faces allegations of groping the same woman on another occasion in 2019. He continues to deny all charges, insisting he has never abused his position as a coach.
Driscoll enjoyed a decorated career as both a competitor and a trainer. Once considered an Olympic hopeful, he later became a celebrated boxing coach, credited with overseeing the development of more than 100 national champions in the sport.
Despite his reputation within England Boxing, the allegations have cast a shadow over his career. He maintains that the accusations have been misinterpreted, while prosecutors argue that his story lacks credibility.
The jury at Lewes Crown Court will continue to hear evidence as the trial proceeds.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
