POLICE are investigating students’ sex allegations against a ballet teacher, they confirmed tonight.
Jonathan Barton quit as Ballet West’s vice-principal after accusations were made by former pupils on social media.
It is alleged Mr Barton groomed students as young as 16 at the dance academy in Taynuilt, Argyll – with one claiming he described “sexual fantasies” to her.
The dance chief has denied all claims of any wrongdoing.
But officers have now received a “number of” reports which will be “thoroughly investigated”.
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A police spokeswoman added: “Police Scotland is committed to bringing sexual offenders before the courts and treat all reports of sexual abuse with the utmost seriousness and sensitivity.
“Anyone wishing to report any kind of sexual offence should call us on 101 or 999 in an emergency. Alternatively, an anonymous report can be made via the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
We previously told that Ballet West suspended a senior member of staff, understood to be founder Gillian Barton, after allegedly dismissing students’ allegations of inappropriate sexual behaviour about her son.
The school has launched an independent, external inquiry into the allegations of grooming and inappropriate sexual behaviour towards students will be launched.
In a statement, the Board of Trustees at Ballet West said: “Dr Kirsty Hood, QC, has been asked to lead an independent, external inquiry into allegations of inappropriate behaviour towards students at the school by a member of staff.
“Further details of the inquiry will be announced in due course.
“In light of allegations that have emerged this week, the board has now suspended a senior member of staff, pending the external investigation.”
STUDENTS' ACCUSATIONS
Former students of Jonathan Barton told an ITV investigation of claims they were groomed by the ballet chief.
Woman A: “I was groomed and had a sexual relationship with Jonathan Barton when I was a student.
“I was 16 years old. He abused his position of power.
“He would buy you things like Christmas presents, then there were little inside jokes. He also had easy access to come in and out of my room whenever he wanted.
“You can’t get away from him. He’s very charming and he is powerful.”
Woman B: “He was calculated in what he did. I think he picked his victims very carefully.
“He started a sexual relationship with me when I was 16.
“The text messages went on for ages and ages, and then you’d be invited up to his room in the middle of the night.
“Again, really silly of me but at 16 you thought it was really exciting. I’ve now found the strength to talk about it.
“I know what he did to me was wrong. I’m not blaming myself anymore.”
They added: “Parents or students requiring information about the current term can contact the school.
“The board would like to thank the many parents and students who have contacted Ballet West expressing their support for the school at this difficult time.
“The board takes the welfare of students extremely seriously and is determined that these matters are dealt with thoroughly.”
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Jonathan Barton started teaching at the dance institution, founded by his mum, in 2002.
Ballet West is Scotland’s biggest ballet school – winning the Best British Ballet School 2020 gong at the British Ballet Grand Prix awards.
The school offers full-time higher education and dance teacher courses.