Former Olympic showjumping coach, 54, appears in court charged with a string of sexual offences against a young woman
A former Olympic showjumping coach today appeared in court to deny a string of sexual offences against a young woman.
John Sillett, 54, faces three charges of rape, four counts of assault by penetration and two sexual assaults.
The offences are said to have taken place between 2015 and 2017 in Wiltshire, France and Spain. Today he pleaded not guilty to all nine charges and is due to face trial next year.
Sillett is a renowned name in the equestrian world and trained riders for the 2016 Olympics in Rio.
Sillett, from Wokingham, Berks, wore a blue suit when he appeared today at Salisbury Crown Court, Wilts.
John Sillett (left), 54, faces three charges of rape, four counts of assault by penetration and two sexual assaults
Sillett, from Wokingham, Berks, wore a blue suit when he appeared today at Salisbury Crown Court (pictured), Wilts
He stood in the dock to deny each charge as they were read out and is now set to face a trial at Winchester Crown Court on January 4 next year.
Sillett claims his coaching successes include ‘training riders to Olympic level, riders who went on to form part of the British Showjumping GB Junior Team, numerous riders who have represented their country internationally and riders who frequently compete at the finals of the National School Equestrian Association’.
Sillett (pictured) is a renowned name in the equestrian world and trained riders for the 2016 Olympics in Rio
For nine years he ran riding school Wellington Riding, based at the Duke of Wellington’s estate near Hook, Hants, before setting up Sillett Equestrian in September 2016.
He also describes himself as a former international showjumper.