Greg Shirvington, Brisbane hockey coach charged with sexual offences against girls, dies on court date

A Brisbane hockey coach charged with sexual offences involving multiple girls has died.

Gregory Thomas Shirvington, 73, was taken into custody at an Arana Hills property on November 23. He died on December 9, the day he was due to appear before Brisbane Magistrates Court.

Police confirmed his death has been ruled non-suspicious, and said a report would be prepared for the coroner.

Shirvington appeared on the court list for December 9, charged with two counts of grooming a child under 16 years and three counts of indecent treatment of a child under 16 years.

He allegedly used his position as a hockey coach to offend against a 14-year-old girl and a 15-year-old girl.

In a statement, Hockey Queensland said it referred the matter to Sport Integrity Australia and Queensland police after it became aware of the allegations in February.

“The individual was stood down and restricted from all hockey activities while the investigation was under way,” a Hockey Queensland spokeswoman said.

“Hockey Queensland has co-operated fully with Queensland police and all relevant authorities throughout the process.”

Support is available from the National Sexual Assault, Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service (1800RESPECT) on 1800 737 732.