Justin Helmer claims he found Olympic medals belonging to Brenton Rickard in the bin

A man accused of selling medals won at the Olympics and Commonwealth games by a Gold Coast swimmer says he found them in a bin.

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A man fronted Southport Magistrates Court on Monday accused of selling medals won at the Olympics and Commonwealth games by a Gold Coast swimmer.

He denied the allegations in court. Outside of court, he told reporters that he found the medals in a bin.

Justin Helmer outside Southport Courthouse. Picture Lea Emery

Justin Helmer is facing multiple charges including fraud.

Police allege he tried to sell medals stolen from former Olympic swimmer Brenton Rickard’s Bundall home online.

Champion swimmer Brenton Rickard with empty medal boxes at his Bundall home. Photograph: Jason O'Brien.

Helmer told the court: “I am familiar with the medals but not familiar with the charge.”

He asked for the matter to be adjourned so he could get legal advice.

Outside court Helmer claimed his innocence.

“I found them in a bin,” he said.

Magistrate John Costanzo adjourned the matter to July 27.

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