BY IAN CROUCH

A former East Maitland tennis coach will return to court later this month after pleading guilty to abusing a young girl.

According to court documents, Todd Ramsey Woods was very friendly and encouraging towards the victim and paid her special attention during coaching lessons, which began in 1995 when she was just 11 years old.

The 58-year-old continued to groom the girl over the next few years, brushing his body up against the girl. The statement of facts notes the victim was 14 when Woods encouraged her to rub his thigh and groin and touch his genitals on several occasions.

The victim reported Woods to Police in July 2017.

Woods has pleaded guilty in Newcastle Local Court to 7 counts of an aggravated act of indecency against a person under 16 years old who was under his authority.

Woods will face Newcastle District Court on September 30 where a sentence date will be set.  

Todd Woods Picture: maitlandmercury.com.au