Piano teacher jailed for child abuse

A self-employed music teacher who sexually abused seven of his pupils during piano lessons at his home has been jailed for two-and-a-half years.

Dennis Fletcher, 62, was sentenced at Stafford Crown Court for the offences, which took place in the 1970s, Staffordshire Police said.

Fletcher, of Belvedere Close, Baswich, Stafford, had admitted nine counts of indecent assault, at an earlier hearing.

The defendant was told he would be placed on the Sex Offenders Register for the rest of his life and prevented from working with anyone under the age of 18.

Mr Fletcher abused his position of trust and acted in a most despicable manner DCI Andy Dunning Staffordshire Police

The catalogue of abuse against the children, who were all girls aged between seven and 13, took place between 1971 and 1979 at the teacher's previous home in Stockton Lane, Weeping Cross.

'Considerable trauma'

An investigation was launched in April last year after one of his victims contacted social services.

Detective Chief Inspector Andy Dunning, speaking after Friday's court hearing, said: "Mr Fletcher abused his position of trust and acted in a most despicable manner.

"His victims suffered considerable trauma as a result of his actions and, for their sakes, I am pleased that justice has been served.

"Today's sentence will hopefully serve as a warning to others like Mr Fletcher that they cannot hide behind the passage of time."