A former gymnastics coach has been found guilty on four out of eight charges of indecent assault, against young girls, aged ten to 15.

After two days of deliberations, a jury of five women and two men returned the verdicts against 62 year old Hal Volante this afternoon.

There was no reaction from the defendant as the verdicts were read out at Douglas Courthouse, and sentencing has been adjourned until May 1st, while social reports are prepared.

Volante, who has to register under the Sex Offenders Act in the next two days, was told by Acting Deemster Sullivan that a prison sentence was highly likely.

Volante denied any improper behaviour throughout his trial, but the prosecution said he was a manipulative man who posed a menace to the girls in his care and couldn't keep his hands to himself.

(Picture: Douglas Courthouse).