A 41-year-old ballet teacher, Jonathan Barton, is set to stand trial, facing accusations of sexually abusing nine teenage dancers at a dance school in Scotland over a 15-year period. The charges include ten offenses against the girls during their time as students under the teacher’s care and in a position of trust at the school.
Among the allegations, Barton is charged with engaging in sexual activity with one victim when she was over 13 but under 16, as well as sexually assaulting her and five other girls. The charges span incidents occurring between 2004 and 2019, involving sexual activity on school premises, during car journeys, and at a hotel.
The trial, expected to last up to three weeks, commenced with the swearing-in of a jury at Dumbarton Sheriff Court. Barton has denied all charges, which range from sexual assault to engaging in sexual activity with minors. Specific details of the charges include allegations of inappropriate touching, sexual activity, and comments on appearance.
