Manchester: A former Olympic coach has been charged with raping and sexually assaulting a child.
According to Ghana News Agency, the allegations against the Norwegian national span from 2012 to 2024. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has charged him with two counts of raping a child and five counts of sexually assaulting a child. Additional charges include two counts of causing a child to engage in sexual activity and two counts of assault by penetration of a child.
The former coach also faces charges related to offenses against an adult female. These include two counts of raping an adult female, two counts of sexually assaulting an adult female, one count of causing an adult female to engage in sexual activity, two counts of assault by penetration of an adult female, and one count of controlling and coercive behavior. The CPS clarified that all charges pertain to the same woman.
Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor James Bolton-Smith stated that the decision to prosecute was made after establishing sufficient evidence to proceed with the case. He emphasized that it is in the public interest to pursue criminal proceedings against the accused. The CPS collaborated with Greater Manchester Police throughout the investigation.
The former coach is scheduled to appear at Manchester Magistrates' Court on Tuesday.
