Ballet teacher accused of abusing teenage pupils is acquitted

A ballet teacher accused of sexually assaulting teenage pupils has been acquitted of all charges.

Jonathan Barton, 41, a dance teacher and vice-principal at Ballet West in Argyll, faced eight charges against eight different women during a trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court.

Six of the charges alleged sexual assault by touching during ballet classes.

Two alleged “abuse of position of trust” relating to sexual relationships. Mr Barton said he had sex with both girls but insisted they were over the age of 18.

The charges ranged from 2004 until 2019.

Mr Barton, of Argyll, denied the allegations and the jury was shown videos of other ballet teachers touching pupils in areas including their thighs.

Mr Barton was found not guilty of all six allegations of sexual assault by touching after a two-and-a-half week trial.

He was found not guilty of one charge of abusing a position of trust and not proven on the other.

Sheriff William Gallacher told him: “You are free to go.”