Olympic swimming physio’s massages queried by police
The technique used by a former Olympic swimming team physiotherapist when massaging young girls was examined by police as part of an investigation into allegations of child sexual abuse, a judge heard.
Peter John Wells appeared in the Brisbane Magistrates Court on Monday for a hearing to determine whether there was sufficient evidence to stand trial for allegedly having repeated sexual intercourse with five girls and indecently assaulting two others.
Wells was the lead physiotherapist for the Australian swimming team at the London 2012 and Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.
He is accused of carrying on unlawful sexual relations with five girls in Brisbane over multi-year periods ranging from 2003 to 2009.
Wells is also accused of indecently assaulting two girls in 2002 and 2004.
He was not required to enter a plea to any charges Monday.
Queensland Police child protection unit Detective Senior Constable Michael Jenkinson was cross-examined about Wells’ emails about efforts to speak to other physiotherapists about the alleged massage techniques.
“‘I asked if Swimming Australia could name a physiotherapist who could let us know that the massage technique Wells used was not the same.’ Did you send that email?” defense attorney Craig Eberhardt said:
“If he says so,” said Det Jenkinson.
“You have already decided that you need a physiotherapist who will tell you that the massage technique is not something that is done, as opposed to an independent physiotherapist who can tell you that this is completely normal?” Mr Eberhardt said.
“I have also requested the same information from the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency,” Det Jenkinson said.
Wells was arrested in May 2022 and charged with 14 crimes, including sexual assault and indecent treatment of children under 16.
Crown prosecutor David Nardone on Monday dropped multiple charges of sexual assault and indecent treatment against Wells and charged him with separate offences.
Det Jenkinson was also asked about transcripts of telephone and video calls with the alleged victims.
“He told you he touched my pecs, he touched my hips, he checked behind my knees, and he touched my toes while he was standing behind my butt. Aren’t you talking about touching my nipples?” Mr Eberhardt said.
“Yes, that’s my handwriting,” Det Jenkinson said.
He said Wells had not been named by an alleged victim of Swimming Australia as someone who should be investigated immediately by an independent panel on the experiences of women and girls in the sport.
Following Detective Jenkinson’s testimony, the court was closed to the public so that one of the alleged victims could give evidence via remote connection.
Judge Peter Saggers heard the committal hearing was likely to last all week and 26 other witnesses would be heard.
Mr Saggers continued Wells’ bail, including on one of the new charges.
1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)
National Sexual Abuse and Resolution Support Service 1800 211 028
