Former Black Dyke cornet player Keith Britcliffe has been acquitted of all charges of sexually touching two sisters during private lessons.

Trial

52-year-old Britcliffe was on trial at Leicester Crown Court accused of rubbing one of the girls' thighs and kissing her neck during lessons and sexually assaulting her sister by touching her inner thigh and her breast.

He denied four charges of indecent assault and seven counts of sexual assault, and on Friday November 20th the jury found him not guilty on all charges.

He denied four charges of indecent assault and seven counts of sexual assault, and on Friday November 20th the jury found him not guilty on all charges4BR

Tutor

The former Desford and Black Dyke cornet player had been Harborough Band’s youth leader for more than ten years and has taught brass and woodwind at schools across Leicestershire as well as tutoring with the Yorkshire Youth Brass Band. .

Honesty and integrity

Six character witnesses spoke of Britcliffe’s professionalism and integrity and a further ten letters, including some from pupils and their parents were read out in court, praising his honesty and integrity. A further 28 letters had been written in support of him.

The jury deliberated for over an hour before announcing its verdict.

Further details can be found at: http://www.harboroughmail.co.uk/