British Olympic Swimmer Antony James Faces Sexual Abuse Charges
British Olympic swimmer Antony James has been charged with child sex offenses in a court in his native country.
James, 33, faces 21 charges, including rape, sexual activity with a minor and possession of indecent images of a child, according to a report by the BBC. The incidents range in date from 2012-22.
James appeared in Plymouth Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday. He was released on conditional bail and will appear before Plymouth Crown Court on Oct. 9.
James, a native of Plymouth, represented Great Britain at the 2012 Olympics in London. He finished 31st in the men’s 100 butterfly, his only event. He also swam for Team GB at the 2010 Commonwealth Games, the 2011 World Championships and several European Championships.
He swam for Plymouth Leander. His career continued at least through British Olympic Trials in 2016.
James served as a student police officer with the Devon and Cornwall Police. He is no longer employed by either.