30 former pupils of UK music school report abuse

Police in Britain have spoken to more than 30 former female pupils of a prestigious music school who have reported historic sexual abuse.

The investigation into Chetham's School of Music is focusing on “a pool of about 10 offenders”, said Greater Manchester Police (GMP).

The women came forward following the sex abuse trial of the Manchester school’s ex-music director Michael Brewer.

Brewer was jailed for six years in March after he was found guilty of indecently assaulting ex-pupil Frances Andrade, 48, more than 30 years ago when she was 14 and 15.

Mrs Andrade killed herself at her home in Guildford, Surrey, a week after giving evidence against him.

The trial heard allegations that sexual activity between teachers and pupils at Chetham’s was not uncommon.

Police have made one arrest so far as part of their probe which was launched in February.

Former Chetham’s violin teacher Wen Zhou Li, 57, now a professor at the Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM), was held in February on suspicion of rape and is on bail pending further inquiries.

Detective Chief Inspector Jamie Daniels, from GMP’s Protective Services Division, said: “This is a significant inquiry in terms of potential number of offenders and number of victims.

“We are supporting each and every person who has come forward and made a complaint to us as best we can and I must credit them all for having the courage to face demons that have been haunting them for many, many years.

“This has been a high-profile investigation from the off and due to the complexities and sensitivities involved cannot and will not be rushed.

“I want to reassure the public that I am absolutely committed to getting justice for these women, many of whom have been spurred on by the bravery shown by Frances Andrade in the case against former teacher Michael Brewer.

“I also want to reassure everybody that where we have identified immediate safeguarding concerns the appropriate steps have been taken in partnership with other organisations.

“Chetham’s and other establishments have and continue to provide help and support at what is clearly a very difficult time for their respective staff and pupils.

“It goes without saying that if anyone has been a victim of any offence or has any information that can assist this investigation I would urge them to get in touch.”

Police added they are also investigating a dozen more third party reports of abuse at Chetham’s that have been made to them.

Yesterday, Channel 4 News reported that sexual abuse and inappropriate behaviour took place at five of the UK’s specialist music schools over a 40-year period.

It named Chetham’s and also the Yehudi Menuhin School in Surrey.

The allegations include claims that pianist Marcel Gazelle, who helped found the Surrey school, sexually abused pupils as young as 10 in the 1960s.

Mr Gazelle died in 1969. His family said he was a good man and they were surprised by the allegations, which they dispute.

The Yehudi Menuhin School said it was “shocked and saddened to learn of the allegations”.

The school told Channel 4 News: “We have checked the records which survive from 50 years ago and can find nothing about any concerns expressed at the time.

“In accordance with our policies we have reported these serious allegations to Surrey Police.”

(Channel 4 News via YouTube)

Another woman who was a pupil at a music school in the 1990s told the programme her teacher flirted with her frequently, before making a pass at her after a lesson at his home.

At least three pupils at the same school say they were sexually involved with the same teacher, Channel 4 News reported.

The teacher no longer works at the school, though he continues to teach elsewhere, the programme said.

Surrey Police confirmed they have been contacted by the Yehudi Menuhin School following “allegations of historic sexual abuse against a member of staff who is now deceased”.

A spokesman said: “The force is liaising with the school and would encourage anyone with concerns to contact us.

“Surrey Police treats any allegation of this nature seriously and have officers who are specially trained to support victims of sexual assault.”