A Dutch swimming instructor suspected of indecently assaulting his pupils is also under suspicion of rape, the public prosecutor's office in the city of Den Bosch has confirmed.

The prosecutor says there are clear indications that the man, Benno L. (surname withheld) raped a girl with Down's Syndrome. The swimming instructor specialised in teaching children with a mental handicap.

The suspicion was part of the original complaint lodged against the man, but had to be investigated at the time. Benno L., who is 59, stands accused of indecently assaulting 98 girls. He took photographs of his acts and stored them on his computer. Mr L. was arrested in June and will appear in court next week.

Swimming lesson in a Dutch pool (Photo: FlickR/LodewijkB)