John Bako, a 53-year-old Sydney tennis coach, was sentenced to 10 years in jail for sexually abusing three underage students. The abuse occurred over several years in various locations, including Bako's homes and tennis courts. Despite the severity of the crimes, Bako received character references from a disgraced priest, a victim's stepmother, and other community members.
A Sydney tennis coach jailed for sexually abusing three underage students was provided character references ahead of his sentencing by a disgraced priest, a victim’s stepmother and 11 other community members.
Sydney tennis coach John Bako was convicted for sexually abusing three underage students he gave private lessons to.One girl was abused over several months, the second over two years, while the boy was abused from age 13 to 19. Over a dozen community members provided the court references for Bako, including his wife and two daughters, a victim’s stepmother, and inner west priest Father Leslie Kostoglou.
In victim impact statements provided to court, one female victim said Bako’s close relationship with her family made her the “perfect target”, adding her relationship with her parents broke down and she developed social anxiety following the abuse.
SEXUAL ABUSE TENNIS COACH SENTENCE DISGRACED PRIEST VICTIM
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Andy Murray Surprises Tennis World as Coach for Novak DjokovicFormer tennis star Andy Murray has taken on the unexpected role of coach for Novak Djokovic, bringing his own experience and insight to help the 24-time Grand Slam champion.
Read more »
Soccer Legend Graham Arnold Joins South Sydney Rabbitohs to Coach GoalkickersFormer Socceroos coach Graham Arnold has been recruited by Wayne Bennett to improve the kicking accuracy of the South Sydney Rabbitohs goalkickers in the 2025 NRL season.
Read more »
Wayne Bennett recruits ex-Socceroos coach Graham Arnold to mentor Latrell Mitchell and South Sydney goalkickers7NEWS brings you the latest local news from Australia and around the world. Stay up to date with all of the breaking sport, politics, entertainment, finance, weather and business headlines. Today's news, live updates & all the latest breaking stories from 7NEWS.
Read more »
Former Socceroos Coach Graham Arnold to Mentor South Sydney's GoalkickersFormer Socceroos coach Graham Arnold has been appointed by Wayne Bennett to mentor South Sydney's goalkickers in the 2025 NRL season. Arnold will work with Latrell Mitchell and the backup goalkickers to improve their accuracy. He has a proven track record of helping NRL players with their kicking, notably assisting Jaime Lyon, Brett Hodgson, and Benji Marshall.
Read more »
Sydney Trains: NSW train chaos could get worse tomorrow: Sydney Trains CEOLevel of service expected to “degrade” this afternoon; Albanese threatens “strongest action” over feared POW killing. Here’s how the day unfolded.
Read more »
Measles Alert Issued for Sydney and Western Sydney After Overseas CasesSydney residents are advised to monitor for measles symptoms after a confirmed case arrived from Hawaii and traveled through the city. NSW Health issued an alert for anyone who was on specific flights or at Sydney International Airport and Domestic Airport T3 on January 17. A separate alert was issued for Western Sydney after a case returned from Vietnam and visited Family Doctors Berala on January 18. Officials urge people to ensure their measles vaccinations are up to date.
Read more »