Olympic Swimmer Turned Trainee Cop Jailed for Raping Teens
Antony James, once a proud Team GB swimmer at the 2012 London Olympics and a trainee police officer, has been slammed with a 21-year prison sentence at Plymouth Crown Court. The 35-year-old was convicted of raping two teenage girls and placed on the sex offenders’ register for life.
Shocking Convictions and Guilty Pleas
James faced a jury in October 2024 and was found guilty of eight serious charges: three counts of rape, three of sexual activity with a child, and two of causing a child to engage in sexual acts. Despite denying these offences, he pleaded guilty to six counts related to making indecent images of children, including the most severe, category A, involving four videos and seven photos.
At the heart of the case was James’s double life as a respected swimmer and student officer with Devon and Cornwall Police when he was arrested.
CPS Condemns James as ‘Serial Liar and Manipulator’
“Antony James is a serial liar and manipulator who used his position as a respected swimmer and coach to control his young victims and fulfil his own sexual desires. He now faces a substantial jail sentence as a result of his appalling behaviour,” said Gemma Kneebone from the Crown Prosecution Service.
“The young women who came forward to give evidence showed tremendous courage, and this prosecution would not have been possible without their support.
“The Crown Prosecution Service is committed to securing justice for the victims of rape and sexual abuse and we will prosecute those who commit these appalling crimes to the full extent of the law.”
A grim reminder that no one is above the law, even Olympic heroes and police hopefuls.
