Swimming champ testifies in abuse case against physio
Andrew Stafford
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.
Barratt, who did not press charges in the case against Wells, had extensive correspondence with another elite swimmer.
That swimmer told Barratt that someone was pressuring him to give a statement to police, but Barratt resisted, saying “there would be the longest list of girls who could testify”.
Barratt replied: “It’s a very tough job. Only do it if you feel comfortable and it’s your life, so don’t put any pressure on it or anything… Have you talked to anyone else from our time? Literally every Queensland girl on the swimming team would have been treated by Peter Wells at one point or another.”
But Barratt, who initially denied there was further correspondence between himself and other athletes and was instructed to scroll through the messages on his phone, confirmed that it had happened.
“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.
One, dated August 6, 2022, said there were “swimmers, netball and football players all with the same stories.”
Accused by Eberhardt of not telling the whole truth, Barratt denied the deliberate failure to present all relevant evidence and said he was in a hurry.
A combative argument ensued when Barratt was asked to read a message stating that “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 certification,” Eberhardt said.
Eberhardt asked Barratt, “Did I do dirt on you?” before he asked, bursting into laughter from the gallery.
“I don’t think I should answer that,” he replied.
“I’ll accept yours, too,” Eberhardt replied.
The hearing, which is expected to end this week, will continue on January 20.
1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)
National Sexual Abuse and Resolution Support Service 1800 211 028
AAP
