It is alleged that some of the abuse took place at the ANU School of Music. Photo: John Jovic.
CONTENT WARNING: This article refers to child abuse.
An elderly resident of the NSW South East has been accused of sexually abusing a child while he worked as a music teacher in Canberra about four decades ago.
An ACT Policing spokesperson said earlier this year that a woman approached police and alleged she had been sexually assaulted multiple times when she was in primary school and attending violin lessons in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
It is alleged she was abused while attending these lessons at what was known as the Canberra School of Music, the Canberra Institute of the Arts and the Australian National University’s School of Music.
After an investigation, police learned a now-87-year-old former music teacher was living in a town in South East NSW.
Police travelled to the town to interview him in September 2025, before he was issued a summons to appear in the ACT Magistrates Court.
He is scheduled to appear in court on 23 October, where he is expected to be formally charged with multiple counts of sexual assault on a child under 10, as well as acts of indecency on a child under 10.
“Police are urging any victims of sexual assault to report these criminal activities,” the police spokesperson said.
If you have information about this matter, quote 8045268 when contacting Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via Crime Stoppers ACT.
If this story has raised any concerns for you, 1800RESPECT, the national 24-hour sexual assault, family and domestic violence counselling line, can be contacted on 1800 737 732. Help and support are also available through the Canberra Rape Crisis Centre on 02 6247 2525, the Domestic Violence Crisis Service ACT on 02 6280 0900, Sexual Violence Legal Services on 6257 4377, Lifeline on 13 11 14, or Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800. In an emergency, call triple zero.
Original Article published by Albert McKnight on Region Canberra.
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