Former Team GB Olympic swimmer Antony James has been found guilty of raping two teenage girls, leading to a potential jail sentence for the athlete who competed in the London 2012 Games. The 34-year-old from Plymouth faced a jury trial where he was convicted of a total of eight offences, including three rapes, three counts of engaging in sexual activity with a child, and two charges of causing a child into sexual activity. While three other charges were dropped, the jury could not reach a verdict on six additional sex charges, including five counts of rape.
The court heard that these alleged incidents occurred over a 10-year period from 2012 to 2022. At the time of his arrest, James was working as a trainee police officer and was promptly suspended by the Devon and Cornwall force, which has confirmed his departure from their ranks. Prosecuting barrister Lee Bremridge described James as having “twisted and perverse” sexual urges that escalated over time. Despite denying all charges, Antony James now faces the prospect of a prison sentence after the guilty verdict.
Following the jury’s decision, Judge Robert Linford granted James conditional bail until the sentencing hearing, pending a pre-sentence report. The former Olympian, who represented Team GB at London 2012, will await his fate as the court proceeds with the necessary legal steps in this case. The gravity of the charges and the impact of the guilty verdict have cast a shadow over Antony James’ once-promising athletic career, marking a significant fall from grace for the former swimmer on the Olympic stage.