Former cricket coach has admitted sexually assaulting a teenage player.

Former Durham Cricket Coach Admits to Sexually Assaulting Teenage Player

Michael Strange, 63, a former Durham cricket coach, has admitted to sexually assaulting a teenage player. This admission comes after Strange was convicted of similar offenses on four previous occasions. Strange appeared via videolink from prison for a 10-minute hearing at Sunderland Magistrates' Court, where he pleaded guilty to a single indecent assault charge involving a 14-year-old boy in the Tyne and Wear area during the late 1990s.

Stephanie Cook, the prosecutor, stated that the offense involved Strange touching the boy while acting as a cricket coach. Magistrates deemed the severity of the offense to be beyond their sentencing powers and referred the case to Newcastle Crown Court on September 7.

It was understood that Strange's prison sentence for his previous offenses was nearing its end. However, he will remain in custody when this latest case is dealt with at the Crown Court. Due to legal constraints, no details identifying the victim can be disclosed.

Following this latest development, investigators have contacted cricket authorities to inform them about Strange's offenses. A Northumbria Police spokesperson stated, "We can confirm we have spoken with the English and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and shared appropriate information. In doing so, we protected the right that all complainants and victims of sexual offenses have to life-long anonymity, meaning they should not be named or identified in any way."

Another victim, who was also abused by Strange at the age of 14, has urged the ECB to conduct an inquiry. This victim previously shared, "At the time, Strange was a trustworthy coach, a proven coach, someone who young cricketers did look up to, very knowledgeable."