Top gymnastics coach fined after assaulting two female teen athletes
Former top gymnastics coach Jamie Glen Cannon, who once coached at a prestigious Brisbane private school, has pleaded guilty to assaulting two teenage girls.
Jamie Glen Cannon, a long-time gymnastics coach with over 30 years of experience, has been fined $2,500 and ordered to pay $1,000 each to two teenage female athletes he allegedly assaulted. Cannon, 49, pleaded guilty to four charges of common assault, stemming from incidents in 2022 and 2023 at a Sunshine Coast club, where he served as a senior coach.
The court heard no sexual intent was involved, but the behavior was described as a breach of trust, both professional and personal, by Crown prosecutor Alex Stark. The victims, aged between 13 and 16, were under Cannon's supervision as athletes. One incident involved Cannon smacking the bottom of a 13-year-old while she performed handstands, while three others involved inappropriate touching and rubbing of the inner thighs of a 15-year-old.
The court accepted Cannon's behavior had no sexual intent, but noted his overly-familiar actions. One of the athletes quit gymnastics entirely following the incident, which affected her sleep and personal relationships. Cannon's lawyer stated he had dedicated his life to the sport, including serving as a committee member with Gymnastics Queensland.
Judge Amanda McDonnell emphasized the violation of trust and ordered Cannon to pay the fine and the promised compensation.
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