Former Irish swimming coach George Gibney has been arrested in the United States following an Irish extradition warrant. The arrest marks a significant development in a case that has spanned decades.
Gibney, who is aged in his 70s, had sex offence charges against him dismissed in Ireland during the 1990s. He has been living in the US for several years.
Podcast sparks new investigation
The 2020 podcast "Where Is George Gibney", produced by Second Captains and the BBC, brought renewed attention to allegations of abuse against the former coach. The programme prompted new complainants to come forward with allegations.
An Garda Síochána confirmed the arrest in a statement but declined to provide further details. "An Garda Síochána is aware of the arrest of a male aged in his 70s in the United States on foot of an Irish international arrest warrant," the force said.
US authorities handling case
The Irish police emphasised that the matter is now in the hands of American authorities. "As this is currently a matter for the US authorities, An Garda Síochána will not be commenting further at this time," the statement added.
The US Marshals Service has been contacted for comment regarding the arrest. The development represents a potential breakthrough in a case that has remained unresolved for decades.
(PA) Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
