Offence and conviction
McMurray, who was working as a train manager for GWR, assaulted the 18‑year‑old female passenger on a service to Swansea on 22 June 2024.
At his trial, Swansea Crown Court heard how McMurray, 38, repeatedly lied to police and attempted to blame the teenager for “coming on to him”. He was convicted by a jury of assault by penetration and sexual assault, and sentenced on 28 February 2025 to seven years in prison. He will serve at least two‑thirds of that term behind bars and will remain on the sex offenders register for life.
Role in local football
The court also heard McMurray had worked within youth football development in Swansea. At the time of the offence, he was serving as a director of Waunarlwydd Galaxy AFC.
Companies House records show he was appointed in July 2021 and resigned on 9 July 2024, shortly after his arrest.
Questions to the club
Swansea Bay News asked Waunarlwydd Galaxy to confirm McMurray’s role within the club while he was a director — specifically whether he had any direct involvement with youth training or activities, and when his involvement with the club ended.
We also asked whether McMurray was subject to the usual FAW/FA safeguarding checks, if any concerns were raised about his behaviour whilst a director, and whether the club has reviewed its safeguarding procedures in light of his conviction.
Club response
A spokesperson for Waunarlwydd Galaxy AFC said:
“Nicholas McMurray’s association with Waunarlwydd Galaxy AFC was terminated instantly following his arrest in accordance with our robust safeguarding measures. The club is active in following FAW safeguarding procedures, with all coaches and club members undertaking enhanced DBS checks.”
The club did not respond to the specific questions put to it.
Safeguarding context
The Football Association of Wales requires grassroots clubs to carry out enhanced DBS checks and safeguarding training for coaches, volunteers and officials.
Waunarlwydd Galaxy says it remains committed to those standards and emphasised that its safeguarding measures were followed when McMurray was arrested.
No safeguarding concerns have been raised about McMurray’s time at the club, and he had no previous convictions prior to his arrest.
