Disbelief as child rapist is selected to play in the Olympics

People across the globe have been left in disbelief after the Netherlands selected a child rapist to play in the Olympics.

Steven van de Velde, 29, was sentenced in March 2016 to four years in prison for raping a 12-year-old British girl. However, the athlete only served 12 months of the sentence before he was released.

The Paris Olympics are set to take place next month (26 July). (Mohamad Salaheldin Abdelg Alsayed/Anadolu via Getty Images)

The incident took place two years prior in 2014, and the athlete - who was 19 at the time - met the child on Facebook.

He travelled to the UK and raped the child at an address in Milton Keynes.

During his sentencing, Judge Francis Sheridan told Van de Velde: "Prior to coming to this country you were training as a potential Olympian. Your hopes of representing your country now lie as a shattered dream.

"Your actions have wrecked your life and you could, had you never come to England and committed these offences, have been a leader in your sport."

And now, the Dutch Olympic Committee has announced that the convicted sex offender will be in the Dutch beach volleyball squad for the upcoming Paris Games which kick off late next month (26 July).

Upon hearing the news, one Instagram user wrote: "Wow... so little time for a lifetime of terrible memories for the girl and her family."

Steven van de Velde, 29, was sentenced in March 2016 to four years in prison for raping a 12-year-old British girl. (Pablo Morano/BSR Agency/Getty Images)

"Are you joking me?!" hit out a second. "This is ridiculous. Hopefully the British Olympic Committee finds away to prevent this guy from competing."

Another added: "So inappropriate and unacceptable. Disgusting."

And a final Instagram user wrote: "He should be banned for life!"

The Dutch Olympic Committee (NOC) has since addressed the concerns that Van de Velde’s participation has raised.

Speaking to BBC Sport, NOC said: "After his release, Van de Velde sought and received professional counselling. He demonstrated to those around him - privately and professionally - self-insight and reflection."

The NOC also said that the convicted rapist's return to the sport met guidelines set by the Dutch Volleyball Federation (NeVoBo) in the organisation's 'Guidelines Integrity Record', which sets out conditions for athletes to resume competing after conviction.

Tyla has reached out to the Dutch Olympic Committee for comment.

If you have been affected by any of the issues in this article and wish to speak to someone in confidence, contact the Rape Crisis England and Wales helpline on 0808 500 222, available 24/7. If you are currently in danger or need urgent medical attention, you should call 999.