The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is initiating an internal review concerning Michael Strange, a former Durham coach, after his admission of sexually assaulting a teenage player. This recent admission follows his conviction on four previous occasions for similar abuses against young cricketers.
On Wednesday, 63-year-old Strange appeared at Sunderland Magistrates’ Court through a video link from prison. He confessed to an indecent assault that took place in the late 1990s in the Tyne and Wear region involving a 14-year-old.
Over the years, Strange has either admitted or been found guilty of abuse against young players he mentored at two northeastern clubs. His most recent sentencing was in January 2022.
Last year, one of Strange’s victims spoke to the PA news agency, urging the ECB to launch an inquiry. The upcoming review by the ECB will be handled by its safeguarding team. The NSPCC Child Protection in Sport Unit, which annually audits national sports governing bodies, affirmed in December 2022 that the ECB adheres to their safeguarding standards.
An ECB representative expressed sympathy for all of Michael Strange's victims, commending their courage in stepping forward. They also highlighted that Strange was suspended from all cricket activities in May 2005, immediately after his arrest and subsequent notification to the ECB. By April 2006, he was permanently barred from all cricket engagements.
The ECB mentioned its ongoing efforts in liaising with statutory partners in understanding the extent of Strange's offences. While retaining the victims' right to confidentiality, the police have provided an option for victims to connect with the ECB if they so wish.
Despite the statutory partners not advocating for an intricate case practice analysis, the ECB is undertaking an internal review. The goal is to understand the context within which Strange's abuses occurred within cricket and how this knowledge can shape the ECB's future safeguarding measures.
Considering the gravity of Strange's recent offence, magistrates decided to transfer the case to Newcastle Crown Court on September 7. Although Strange’s previous jail term is nearing its end, he will remain incarcerated during the upcoming court hearing.
Authorities are collaborating with cricket officials to understand the full extent of Strange's earlier transgressions. Due to privacy regulations, details that could reveal the victim's identity remain confidential.
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