Dick Caine, Convicted Swim Coach, Dies at 78

Former elite swim coach Dick Caine, aged 78, has died in hospital after being convicted of raping and sexually abusing six young female athletes in the 1970s and 80s. Caine was found guilty of 39 sexual offences, including rape and indecent assault, during a judge-alone special hearing due to his terminal cancer. His crimes took place at Carss Park swimming pool, his home, and his car, and involved girls aged 10 to 16. Despite his illness, the court proceedings continued, with Judge Paul McGuire finding the victims' testimonies reliable and compelling. Caine's death, which occurred while he was in palliative care, means he will not face sentencing or hear victim impact statements scheduled for December.