Ex-Guildhall School of Music teacher jailed for raping two pupils

Prominent classical musician Philip Pickett jailed for preying on victims in sound-proofed music rooms so no one could hear if they cried out more than 30 years ago Philip Pickett has been sentenced to eleven years imprisonment at the Old Bailey after he used his profession as a cover to sexually abuse young women Photo: City of London Police The fun and easy way to learn a new language Stay curious and connected. When you can speak another language your world becomes bigger, richer and more inspiring. Learn with Babbel – it’s fun, easy and effective. Sponsored by Babbel By Martin Evans, Crime Correspondent 10:20AM GMT 20 Feb 2015 A former teacher at the renowned Guildhall School of Music has been jailed for raping two pupils more that 30 years after the mother of one victim first reported him. Philip Pickett, a prominent figure in London's early music scene, used his fame and influence to attack three victims in the late 1970s and early 1980s. They were preyed on in the sound-proofed music rooms so no one could hear if they cried out. One of the girls sexually assaulted by Pickett complained to her mother in 1984 and she wrote to the principal at the Guildhall, but no further action was taken, the Old Bailey heard. Instead of reporting the teacher to the police, the girl was told to find another school, the court heard. Related Articles Kate Nash's former music teacher jailed for child abuse Kate Nash's former music teacher jailed for child abuse 05 Aug 2014 Teacher spared jail after admitting affair with schoolboy 10 Jul 2013 Music teacher jailed for sex with 15-year-old pupil 04 Sep 2009 Prep school music teacher jailed for sexual abuse of boys 12 Nov 2008 The 64-year-old wind instrument specialist was only reported to police in 2013 in the wake of the Jimmy Savile scandal. The first victim, who was 16 years of age at the time of the attack, came to the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in 1978 as a sixth form student to learn the recorder with Pickett. During a lesson Pickett asked her to take her top off, suggesting she needed to work on her breathing. He then ordered her to lie on the floor before indecently assaulting her. Following publicity surrounding his arrest another former pupil came forward and made further allegations against him. Pickett, a prominent classical musician who has collaborated with members of the folk group Fairport Convention, worked as a freelance music teacher at the leading conservatoire in the 1970s. The girls were in awe of the arrogant musician - who even asked if his sentencing could be delayed so he could tour the music festivals of Europe before he was jailed. He denied a string of sex offences, but was convicted of two rapes and two indecent assaults, relating to three victims, by an Old Bailey jury earlier this month and jailed for eleven years. Pickett was cleared of six other six charges including rape against four other young women. His 11-year jail term can only now be reported after it was decided that an outstanding indecent assault charge would not be pursued, but would lie on file. The Guildhall School of Music was established more than 130 years ago Last February, Pickett was charged with 15 historic sex offences, said to have occurred between 1974 and 1988, against nine victims, including a girl who was under 14 at the time. He was eventually convicted of two rapes and two indence assaults and jailed for 11 years earlier this month. "In each case there is an aggravating feature that this was a gross abuse of process," Judge Charles Wilde said. "You were their teacher. To a degree, they were in awe of you, especially the schoolgirls. There is the location of the offences - in the practise rooms at the Guildhall School of Music," he added. A spokesman from the Guildhall School of Music & Drama said: "Although these events took place several decades ago, this does not diminish our utter shock that a professional music teacher could abuse the trust placed in him by the School and its students. "The Guildhall School wholeheartedly welcomes the verdicts. Justice has been done and our thoughts are with the victims of these dreadful crimes. "The Guildhall School takes the duty of care of its students extremely seriously. Robust safeguarding procedures are in place at the School to ensure safe learning environments for all students and these measures are regularly reviewed." Police believe more women will have been attacked by Pickett and have urged victims to come forward. Detective Superintendent Maria Woodall of City of London Police said: “Philip Pickett used his position of authority as an accomplished professor to abuse young talented women who were vulnerable due to their age and the fact they were students of his. “He knew how difficult it would be for them to report his crimes to the school or to the police. These are appalling crimes and I would like to pay tribute to the victims’ tenacity and bravery during the investigation. “I hope they can take solace in knowing they may have stopped more young women being attacked, and others may now feel able to come forward.” “Philip Pickett’s access to young women over such a period of time means that there could be more victims that have yet to come forward. “I would urge these people to contact the City of London Police." http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/crime/11424402/Ex-Guildhall-School-of-Music-teacher-jailed-for-raping-two-pupils.html