A Greenwich ex-sports coach for British Olympic superstars in the 70s and 80s has been jailed after being found guilty of sexually abusing a young girl.

Cyril Carter, 68, of no fixed address, was sentenced to six years and eight months for indecently assaulting the schoolgirl in the 80s.

He was found guilty at Woolwich Crown Court on November 29 of four counts of indecent assault of a girl under 16 years old.

Carter, who worked in schools across south London, singled out his victim when working as a supply teacher.

It was during swimming and athletic training sessions that he would indecently assault her.

On occasion, the victim would be required to stay at Carter's home ahead of early morning training sessions and he took this opportunity to sexually abuse her.

Other offences also took place in his car and at the local swimming pool.

Detectives launched an investigation after the victim reported the abuse to police in 2013.

Carter was arrested at Heathrow airport in 2014 after returning from Thailand, and was subsequently charged in March 2015.

As a coach, Carter worked with sports stars such as swimmer Sharron Davies, judo Olympian Neil Adams and judo champ Brian Jacks, who achieved national fame on the BBC programme Superstars in 1979 and 1980.

Carter has also written books on the discus with British strongman Pete Tancred and judo techniques with Neil Adams.

Det Con Corinne Turner, from the child abuse investigation team, said: "Carter was a sexual predator who completely abused his position of trust as a sports coach to lure his victim into his confidence, taking her to private locations and subjecting her to serious abuse.

"I must commend the victim for her courage and conviction in bringing this case to trial. We will always make every effort to bring those responsible for such abuse to justice.

"Carter taught and coached at various locations in south London and it cannot be ruled out that he has committed other offences. I would ask anyone who believes they have been the victim of Cyril Carter to contact police.

"The passage of time, whilst it presents its own challenges, will not deter us."

An NSPCC spokesperson said: “Carter’s despicable actions will have had a truly devastating impact on his victims.

"It takes tremendous courage to speak up but victims must never feel too ashamed to report what has happened to them or scared that they won’t be believed.

“This is why the NSPCC is going into primary schools to talk to children about abuse in all its forms, how to stay safe and who to go to for help. So far our Schools Service has spoken to at least 7,500 children in Greenwich.

“Abuse can ruin childhoods but with the right help and support victims can rebuild their lives.”

Carter was sentenced on January 4 and placed on the sex offenders register indefinitely.

He was also issued with a sexual harm prevention order banning him from training or coaching children.