Swimming champ testifies in abuse case against physio

An Olympic gold medalist has denied deliberately withholding evidence in the child sexual abuse case against a former Australian swimming team physiotherapist.

Peter John Wells, 55, faces a hearing to determine whether there is enough evidence to stand trial on allegations that he had unlawful sexual intercourse with five girls and indecently assaulted two others.

Wells was the lead physiotherapist for the Australian swimming team at the Beijing 2008 and London 2012 Olympics.

Bronte Barratt, who won the Olympic gold medal in the 4×200 meters relay in Beijing, was called back to the podium after a break after it was revealed she had not made all contact regarding Wells.

Ms. Barratt, who is not a complainant in the case against Wells, had extensive correspondence with another elite swimmer.

The swimmer told Miss Barratt that someone was pressuring her to give a statement to police, but Barratt resisted, saying “there would be the longest list of girls who could testify”.

Ms Barratt replied: “Very challenging. Only do it if you feel comfortable and it’s your life so don’t get caught up in the pressure or anything… Have you talked to anyone else from our age? Literally every Queensland girl on the swim team would have been treated by Peter Wells at one point or another.”

But Ms Barratt, who was instructed to scroll through messages on her phone, confirmed there had been, after initially denying there had been further correspondence between herself and other athletes.

“You understand that you were called to provide all communications,” defense attorney Craig Eberhardt said.

After a break, more messages were produced with former Australian swimmers.

A report dated 6 August 2022 stated that there were “swimmers, netball and football players who all have the same stories”.

Accused by Mr Eberhardt of not telling the whole truth, Ms Barratt denied the deliberate failure to provide all relevant evidence and said she was in a hurry.

A combative argument ensued when Ms Barratt was asked to read a message saying the “defence’s man is a scumbag and will really try to belittle you”.

“People have been saying this for years and now I have a certificate,” Mr. Eberhardt said.

Mr Eberhardt asked Ms Barratt: “Did I do a dirty job to you?” before he asked, bursting into laughter from the gallery.

“I don’t think I should answer that,” he replied.

“I’ll take yours too,” Mr. Eberhardt replied.

The hearing, which is expected to end this week, will continue on January 20.

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