Gerry Carson, a former president of Athletics Northern Ireland, appeared at Belfast Crown Court on Thursday and pleaded not guilty to two child sex offences. The charges against him include engaging in sexual activity with a child and sexual touching of a child. According to BBC News, Carson, who is from Kingsway in Dunmurry, County Antrim, also pleaded guilty to two counts of stalking at the same hearing.
The judge set a trial date of 30 November, with proceedings expected to last between two and three days. During the court appearance, Carson confirmed his identity when asked by the judge. He was granted continued bail on the same conditions he currently enjoys.
This case emerges amid a broader pattern of high-profile prosecutions involving abuse of trust in sports and public institutions across the island of Ireland. In June 2026, Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, the former DUP leader, was convicted of 18 child sex abuse charges, while George Gibney, a former Irish national swimming coach, was found guilty of sexually abusing four young female athletes in offences spanning the 1970s and 1980s.
What happens next?
The trial is scheduled to commence on 30 November and is anticipated to run for approximately two to three days. Carson remains free on bail pending the proceedings.
