Dutch child rapist Steven van de Velde 'forced to stay in private Olympics accommodation' amid safety fears

He resumed his volleyball career after serving just 12 months behind bars, however, and was selected back in June for the Dutch Olympic team.

Van de Velde is set to compete at the games despite a strong backlash, with the Dutch Olympic committee saying he's 'shown self-insight and reflection'.

Now, according to The Athletic, Van de Velde is staying at private accommodation - instead of in the village.

It's claimed the Dutch Olympic Committee has made the call due to 'serious concerns over his safety'.

Van de Velde arrived in Paris earlier this week, with the Dutchman flagged by a big security team as he made his way to his living arrangements.

The 29-year-old has been warned to avoid any media duties during his time in France amid fears he'll be probed on his case from many years ago.

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A spokesman for the Dutch committee said on Thursday: "We are implementing concrete measures to ensure a safe sporting environment for all participants.

"These measures include, at the request of van De Velde, alternative accommodation for van De Velde and no media contact during his stay in Paris."

The DOC say all the measures implemented were in line with the 'standard practice' seen in big sporting events, with decisions made after a 'thorough risk assessment'.

They say Van de Velde has consistently met their high standards and been transparent over the past decade.

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They also claim the Dutchman 'deeply regrets the consequences of his actions for those involved'.

Van de Velde flew from the Netherlands to the UK in 2014 to meet the girl he'd groomed on Facebook.

The victim told her family she was staying with a friend and snuck to meet with the volleyball player at a hotel.

When they were unable to make a booking, they returned to the girl's home and had sex.

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Judge Francis Sheridan said to him at the time: "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."

Van de Velde served part of his sentence in the UK before being transferred to the Netherlands.

He previously said he had made the 'biggest mistake of his life'. In a old interview, he said: "I can’t reverse it, so will have to bear the consequences. It has been the biggest mistake of my life."

Van de Velde is set to compete with playing partner Matthew Immers on July 28.

The Netherlands pair will go up against Italy's Alex Ranghieri and Adrian Carambula at the Eiffel Tower stadium.