The father of a former swimming instructor accused of inappropriately assaulting his children repeatedly shook his head in court as the lengthy trial of his son neared its conclusion.
Kyle James Henk Daniels is on trial for 21 charges related to the alleged sexual contact with nine girls aged between five and ten whom he taught to swim at the Mosman Swim Centre on Sydney’s lower north shore.
He entered a not-guilty plea to the allegations.
The 23-year-old has had the full support of his parents, who have frequently attended nearly every day in court.
And while his mother and father, Janine and James, remained mute throughout Mr. Daniels’ trial, his father’s demeanor shifted slightly on Wednesday, as the Crown began its closing arguments in Sydney’s Downing Centre District Court.
On Wednesday, the father of Mr. Daniels constantly shook his head while the prosecution spoke, while his wife and son sat in the dock and attentively listened.
Kyle Daniels (center) and his parents enter Sydney’s Downing Centre Court.
The swim coach is accused of inappropriately groping nine of his underage female pupils.
Mr. Daniels’ parents have supported him throughout his trial.
The defendant’s father shook his head and gazed at the ground as Crown prosecutor Tony McCarthy told the court that one girl allegedly described Mr. Daniels’ behavior during swimming as “a little strange.”
Mr. Daniels is frequently accompanied to court by his mother, father, or both; the trio typically walks in and out of the court compelx in close proximity.
Mr. Daniels is on trial for alleged offenses committed between 2018 and 2019 while he was employed as a children’s swimming coach at the Mosman Swim Centre.
He is charged with five counts of sexual contact with a child under the age of 10, eight instances of sexual contact with a child, and eight counts of indecent assault.
Crown prosecutor Tony McCarthy mentioned a communication between a girl and her mother on Wednesday, after the girl was allegedly molested by Mr. Daniels.
The girl’s mother informed her at age seven that she had a session with another teacher.
Mr. McCarthy told the court that the girl later informed her mother that she was “happy” because she “didn’t like the way he held me; he held me between my legs and moved his fingers.”
The father of Mr. Daniels (center) frequently shook his head throughout the Crown’s closing address on Wednesday.
The court heard that Mr. Daniels was subsequently contacted by the Mosman Swim Centre, where he agreed to change his holds on his students, but denied that he was required to do so.
After an initial complaint was lodged with the swimming facility, a message was distributed to staff members instructing them not to hold toddlers close to the groin or chest.
Mr. Daniels returned a copy that was autographed.
Mr. McCarthy testified this week that the 23-year-old could not recall signing the letter or having to alter any practices.
Given that the note related to a complaint about the swim coach’s alleged conduct, he deemed it “a little bit odd” that the coach would have no memory of it.
Mr. McCarthy stated, “This incident had to be significant and meaningful in his life.”
His claim that he has no memory of events that occurred four years ago because it was too long ago contradicts the evidence.
The alleged offense committed by Mr. Daniels occurred at Mosman Swim Centre between 2018 and 2019.
Mr. McCarthy informed the court that the manager of the swimming centre stated Mr. Daniels’ behavior with his students after being talked to was “chalk and cheese” and that he was far less fun with the females.
Mr. Daniels reportedly mistreated two sisters as well, the court heard.
Mr. McCarthy told the court that one child allegedly gave her mother a note that read, “The reason I don’t like my swimming teacher is because he touched my…,” with the final word left blank. The girl later stated that the text referred to her private parts.
The girl was removed from class, while her younger sister continued to be taught by Mr. Daniels.
The younger sibling later disclosed to her mother that she desired to return to her previous swimming school, alleging that Mr. Daniels had touched her vagina while she was swimming.
She told her mother that the hands of the accused felt like worms, Mr. McCarthy stated in court.
Afterward, she clenched her legs and derriere to prevent him from repeating the offense.
The girl claimed neither she nor Mr. Daniels spoke, and she continued to swim.
Typically, Kyle Daniels has been accompanied to court by either his mother, his father, or both.
Mr. McCarthy elaborated on the alleged assault by stating that one girl stated that Mr. Daniels “dug” his fingers into her vagina and that his fingernail became entangled.
She reported that she was in great pain. He stated that she claimed it was always her “front bottom” and never her “back bottom.”
Another alleged victim, aged seven, said that Mr. Daniels ‘bunched up’ her swimsuit around her vagina while forcing her off the dive blocks as she was performing a torpedo.
The girl stated that her teacher, whom she referred to as “Kylie,” placed his hand between the holes in her swimsuit where her legs were and on her vagina.
Mr. McCarthy stated, ‘She was too bashful and did not want to tell anyone,’ adding that it allegedly occurred three times.
The defense for Mr. Daniels has contended that he did not intentionally or knowingly contact the youngsters in a sexual or obscene manner.
The 23-year-old disputes the claims passionately.
The proceeding continues.