Victims tell of 'conveyor belt of abuse' by football coach Bob Higgins

Victims and their families have described in court a "conveyor belt of abuse" suffered at the hands of former Southampton youth football coach Bob Higgins.

In May this year, Higgins, 66, was found guilty of 46 charges of sexual abuse against 24 boys - aged between 11 and 17 - during the 70s, 80s and 90s.

Courts were told that Higgins had abused his position of power over young players, taking advantage of them for his own sexual purposes.

Many of the victims described Higgins as God-like, a mentor and a fatherfigure, indicating the influence he held over them. Several said they could not make a complaint against him because they feared it would be the end of their burgeoning football career.

Higgins will be sentenced tomorrow.

Southampton FC has issued an apology to the victims and said it has launched an investigation.