Concert pianist jailed for abuse

Garland was also placed on the Sex Offenders Register

An internationally acclaimed concert pianist has been jailed for three and a half years for abusing two children taking private music lessons with him.

Ian Garland, 30, of Weymouth, Dorset, took advantage of a 15-year-old boy who was confused about his sexuality.

He denied sexual activity with the boy and indecently assaulting a 12-year-old girl but was found guilty in February.

At Bournemouth Crown Court, Judge Roger Jarvis jailed Garland and placed him on the Sex Offenders Register.

He also disqualified Garland from working with children indefinitely.

During the trial, at Dorchester Crown Court, the jury heard Garland began sending his male student flirtatious messages after the boy confided in him about his confused sexuality during a singing lesson.

Second victim

At one lesson, Garland put his arm around the boy and kissed him.

The court heard the activity became sexual on two occasions, although the boy pushed Garland away the first time he was approached.

The boy eventually told a friend who reported it to police and Garland was arrested and later charged.

The second victim came forward after hearing about the case.

She was 12 when Garland assaulted her during keyboard lessons and two years later when she was 14, jurors heard during the trial.