Edinburgh Parent Reports Coach’s Indecent Snapchats
In a shocking turn of events, a Scottish Rugby Union team manager, Steven Dyer, has been found guilty of sending indecent images and making sexual comments to international youth players. The incident took place when the Edinburgh schoolboys were part of a Scotland youth squad on a training camp in Wales in 2023. Dyer posted explicit videos and pictures to his Snapchat account, which the boys had access to, including a video of him urinating and another of him licking his finger provocatively.
Arrest and Charges
The situation came to light when a concerned parent of one of the boys discovered the messages and contacted the school. Subsequently, Dyer was arrested and charged by the police. The SRU suspended him, and he was later fired from his position at Lloyds Banking Group after the allegations surfaced.
Court Trial and Verdict
Dyer, of St Boswalls in the Scottish Borders, denied any wrongdoing, claiming the communication was merely “rugby banter” and not of a sexual nature. However, he was found guilty of three offenses of intentional indecent communication during a trial at Edinburgh Sheriff Court. Sheriff Daniel Kelly deemed the complainers to be credible and reliable, stating that Dyer had downplayed his behavior during the trial.
Impact on Victims
During the trial, three victims from the Scotland youth squad testified about the inappropriate content Dyer had shared on Snapchat, which left them significantly affected. One player described feeling embarrassed and considered the material sent by Dyer as inappropriate. The communication had a lasting impact on the players, with one urging Dyer to stop sending such messages.
The Scottish Rugby Union has confirmed that Dyer was a paid contracted volunteer and not a full-time employee. The organization has been contacted for comment on the court case.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of appropriate behavior when working with youth players and the consequences of crossing boundaries. It highlights the need for proper training and safeguarding measures to prevent such incidents in the future. Let’s ensure that all individuals in positions of authority understand the gravity of their actions and act responsibly at all times.