A prominent hockey coach from Brisbane has died by suicide, just weeks after he was arrested and charged with sexually assaulting two teenage girls.
Arrest and Charges Following Police Raid
Gregory Thomas Shirvington, 73, was arrested at his home in Arana Hills on November 23 following a police raid. He was subsequently charged with using his position to sexually assault a 14-year-old and a 15-year-old girl.
The specific charges laid against the 73-year-old included two counts of grooming a child under 16 years and three counts of indecent treatment of a child under 16 years. He was due to face Brisbane Magistrates' Court on December 9.
Tragic Discovery and Wider Allegations Emerge
On the very day he was scheduled to appear in court, Shirvington was found dead. Queensland Police confirmed a report would be prepared for the coroner following the non-suspicious death of the Arana Hills man on 9 December, with sources indicating he died by suicide.
In the wake of his arrest, dozens more alleged victims came forward, with some now aged in their 30s and 40s. One parent described the alleged crimes as 'horrific', noting that the coach had been considered a 'family friend' to many.
'The girls involved were really brave in coming forward,' the parent told The Courier Mail. 'And it took them to come forward for it all to come out. By being brave and coming out, it's helped other people in the future that could have been victims.'
Sports Bodies React and Safeguarding Pledges
Shirvington was a well-known figure in local hockey circles. He was a life member and volunteer at the Ascot Arana Hockey Club since 2017. He had also served as a former Division 1 coach at Kedron Wavell Services Hockey Club and as a senior technical official at the Kedron Wavell Wolves club.
Hockey Queensland, the state's governing body, stated it was aware of the allegations. A spokesman confirmed the organisation had reported the complaints to both Queensland Police and Sport Integrity Australia.
'The individual was stood down and restricted from all hockey activities while the investigation was under way,' the spokesman said. 'The individual has had no involvement with Hockey Queensland or its affiliated clubs since February.'
The body emphasised that 'the safety and wellbeing of children and young people in hockey is our highest priority' and reiterated its commitment to a safe environment for all participants.
If you or someone you know needs support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit www.lifeline.org.au. You can also contact Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636 or at www.beyondblue.org.au.
