CHILD abuse charges against former Olympian Amy Tinkler’s old gymnastics club have been dropped, club officials have said.

Two coaches at South Durham Gymnastics Club in Spennymoor, County Durham, had been accused of child neglect relating to young athletes.

But the club has announced that, following a 15 month investigation into the allegations, Durham police and Crown Prosecution Service last night informed officials that no further action would be taken in the case.

The Northern Echo understands that police spoke to a number of young women, including Bishop Auckland-born Miss Tinkler, about complaints which included fat-shaming and a file relating to one gymnast was referred to the CPS to consider whether legal action should be taken.

The CPS said the evidence was reviewed and the complainant and club had been informed of the decision not to proceed.

An investigation was also launched by the sport’s governing body, British Gymnastics, after Miss Tinkler, who won bronze in the Rio 2016 Olympics but retired last January, made wide-ranging allegations about mistreatment as a club and elite gymnast.

Head coaches Nicola Preston and Rachel Wright from the club, which is based in “The Pink Gym” at Spennymoor Leisure Centre – where Miss Tinkler trained from the age of two to 16 – were suspended during the investigation.

The club has always denied all the accusations and said the past 15 months had been "very difficult" and thanked members who had shown “unwavering and support and loyalty”.

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A club spokesperson said: “Following 15 months of thorough investigation in relation to allegations of physical and emotional abuse linked to our two head coaches Nicola Preston and Rachael Wright, Durham Constabulary and the Crown Prosecution Service have confirmed that they will not be investigating the case any further.

“We would like to sincerely thank our legal team Ravi, Richard and Neil for their tremendous support and professionalism throughout this time.

“The past 15 months have been very difficult, not only for Nicola and Rachael, but also for the family, friends, gymnasts, coaches and staff around them.

“We would like to thank everyone who has shown South Durham Gymnastics ongoing support throughout this period, and extend an extra thanks to everyone who have sent letters of support to the club.

“Over the last 18 months, the club have had several spot visits to assess our COVID and Safeguarding practices.

“We are delighted to say that we have received fabulous feedback on our policies, practices and procedures from all assessments.

“This is testament to the hard work and dedication of the Club’s staff and volunteers - and to our members, who engage with us on a daily basis.

“South Durham Gymnastics would once again like to thank our members, new and old, for their unwavering support and loyalty throughout this time difficult time.

“As a club we will continue to move forward and focus on providing a positive experience for everyone who crosses our threshold.”

A CPS spokesperson said: “On 21 July this year, the Crown Prosecution were provided with an evidential file in relation to an individual complainant regarding the South Durham Gymnastics Club in Spennymoor, to consider whether any criminal charges were appropriate. This evidence was provided as a result of a comprehensive police investigation into the allegations made.

“In order to bring criminal charges in any case, prosecutors must first consider whether there is sufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction. In this case, the evidence provided did not meet the strict criteria required to bring criminal charges and the Crown Prosecution Service took the appropriate decision to advise police that no further action should be taken.

“We have written to the complainant in this case to explain our decision and to advise them on the process for the Victims’ Right to Review scheme, should they wish to appeal this decision.”

A Durham Constabulary spokeswoman said: “A full investigation has been carried out and all available evidence was submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service, who have now made their decision.”

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