A FORMER Olympic swimmer and student police officer today denied raping two girls.
Antony James denied a total of 18 charges against three female victims when he appeared at Plymouth Crown Court.
James, now 33, who represented Great Britain in swimming, faces allegations between 2012 and 2022 which include five allegations of rape against two teenagers.
James, of Plymouth, Devon, is accused of controlling and coercive behaviour, causing or inciting a child in sexual activity, sexual communication with a child, intentional touching and intentionally encouraging or assisting in the commission of rape.
He also denied two charges of assault causing actual bodily harm against a third female victim.
The former Devon and Cornwall student officer also faces charges of sexual activity with a child.
James remained suspended from the force after his arrest but is no longer an employee.
Defence barrister Michael Brown said James has a former Olympic profile and is a sports ambassador and asked that his trial be moved away from the Plymouth area.
James was remanded on unconditional bail and he will appear in court again in November.
A trial will be held next summer.