The former coach of junior Australian and world champion rock climbers has walked free on bail after being formally charged with seven historical child sex offences in the ACT Magistrates Court.
Stephen Leonard Mitchell, 55, was arrested at his Canberra home on Saturday after a police investigation.
The charges read in court today included offences against three girls involved in sports programs in the ACT between 1998 and 2006, who were aged between 11 and 14 at the time.
The seven charges included acts of indecency upon a young person and committing acts of indecency in the presence of a child under 16.
Two of the alleged offences are said to have happened overseas.
No other details were released in court.
Mr Mitchell’s lawyer told the court that his client would plead not guilty.
Mr Mitchell took part in the court proceedings via a video link to the court's cells.
The prosecution did not oppose bail and Mr Mitchell was released on strict conditions.
The conditions include not approaching people associated with the case, not going near any gyms or sports clubs, reporting to police three times a week, and handing over any passports and firearms.
The case is expected to return to court in May.
