ANTONY JAMES, FORMER OLYMPIC SWIMMER FROM PLYMOUTH, SENTENCED TO 21 YEARS FOR RAPE OF TEENAGE GIRLS

A man once celebrated as an Olympic swimmer representing Britain has been handed a lengthy prison sentence after being convicted of heinous crimes involving two teenage girls. Antony James, aged 35 and residing in Crownhill, Plymouth, was found guilty by a jury at Plymouth Crown Court last October of eight serious charges, including three counts of rape, three counts of engaging in sexual activity with a minor, and two counts of causing a child to participate in sexual acts.

In addition to these convictions, James had previously admitted to six counts of producing indecent photographs of a child. Prosecutors clarified during the trial that these charges involved James encouraging the two underage girls—whose identities are protected by law—to take explicit images of themselves, which he then requested to receive. The court emphasized that these acts constituted production of indecent images, a serious offense.

The jury was unable to reach a verdict on one count of sexual activity with a child, and the Crown Prosecution Service chose not to pursue five other charges of rape. Furthermore, the judge directed not guilty verdicts on three counts related to encouraging or assisting an offense, leaving some charges unresolved.

During the proceedings, prosecutor Lee Bremridge outlined how James had groomed and manipulated each of the girls, revealing his disturbing sexual needs and desires. Evidence presented showed that after James' arrest in 2022, police discovered his use of the Chaturbate sexual internet platform. They recovered messages from 2019 in which James referenced an underage girl, who was later identified as one of his victims, and detailed his sexual intentions towards her.

One of the victims displayed remarkable bravery by reading a victim impact statement aloud in court. She expressed that James had “stolen a portion of my life” and left her feeling “vulnerable, weak and trampled.” Her words underscored the profound emotional and psychological damage inflicted by James’ actions.

At the sentencing hearing, Judge Robert Linford addressed James directly, stating that he was convinced one of the victims had taken indecent photographs of herself at James’ behest and had sent them to him. The judge criticized James’ attitude during police interviews, describing it as “entirely nonchalant,” as he claimed the acts were “entirely consensual.”

Judge Linford described how James had groomed the girls and exploited their vulnerabilities for his own gratification. He highlighted the lasting impact on the victims, noting that one girl was left feeling ashamed of her body and suffering from severe anxiety, which required psychiatric treatment. The judge remarked that James had ruthlessly exploited the girls’ needs and left one feeling betrayed and devastated.

While acknowledging that James had no prior criminal record and recognizing his previous contributions to charity, Olympic participation, and Commonwealth Games representation, the judge emphasized the gravity of his crimes. The court sentenced James to eight years in prison for the rape of the first girl and thirteen years for the two rapes involving the second girl, both of whom were over 16 but still teenagers. These sentences are to be served consecutively, resulting in a total of 21 years of incarceration.

James was also ordered to serve two-thirds of his sentence—14 years—before being eligible for release on license. Additionally, he was placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life and subjected to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for 25 years, reflecting the court’s determination to protect the public from further harm.