Former Team GB Olympian Antony James Sentenced to 21 Years for Child Sex Offences

Antony James, a former Olympic swimmer, has been sentenced to 21 years in prison for multiple sexual offenses against two teenage girls over a decade, from 2012 to 2022. Convicted of three counts of rape and several other sexual charges, James groomed the victims, encouraging them to send explicit images and engaging in sexual activity. The court heard that he manipulated the girls into believing their 'relationship' was normal and became aggressive if they resisted his advances. During sentencing, Judge Robert Linford highlighted James's significant talent but condemned his actions as a betrayal of trust and manipulation of vulnerable individuals. One victim expressed her lasting trauma, stating she would 'never forgive' him for the impact on her life. James, who was training to be a police officer at the time of his arrest, has been placed on the Sex Offenders' Register for life and received a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.