A WA volleyball coach has been given a suspended jail term for illegally having sex with one of his junior players who was over 16 at the time of the offences.
The 39-year-old man, who was not named to protect the identity of the victim, had pleaded guilty to 11 charges of engaging in sexual activity with the teenager over three days in 2018.
Despite the girl being aged 16 years and eight months — which is over the age of consent — at the time of the sexual activity, the coach was charged because the girl was "under his care, supervision or authority".
In a submission to the court, the man said there was no sexual activity during the formal volleyball season.
The District Court heard the relationship was "mutual" and there was no evidence the victim suffered adverse effects.
Addressing the man, Judge Stephen Scott said he did not discern "any pressure brought to bear by you".
He had discussed with the girl that the relationship had no future and, the judge said, it was not a case where "you selfishly groomed her".
There was "no coercive or forceful behaviour", the judge said.
Coach 'didn't know it was unlawful' to have sex with teen
He also accepted the man's assertion he did not know it was unlawful to have sex with the girl as she was over 16.
But Judge Scott spoke of the "significant disparity" in their ages and said the charges were laid because she was under the man's care and guidance.
He said to the man "you readily concede what you did was morally wrong" and the "offences you've committed are serious offences".
The judge also spoke of the importance of general deterrence.
The man was sentenced to two years in prison, suspended for 18 months.
He has been undergoing psychological counselling and because of the sentence will be designated as a reportable offender.
