Ballet teacher claims conspiracy made against him by former pupils

Jonathan Barton, 41, is on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court where it is claimed he had sexual contact with eight girls. The charges allege Barton "breached a position of trust" by having sexual intercourse with two teenage students at the dance school in Argyll and Bute. The total of eight allegations span between 2004 and 2019 against female students aged between 16 and 19.

Barton, who gave evidence on Thursday and Friday, was cross examined by prosecutor Dana Barclay. The fiscal depute said: "Are you asking the jury to believe these women came forward in some form of conspiracy against you?"

Barton replied: "Yes, I watched this conspiracy come together online - they messaged each other. I witnessed it first hand."

The court earlier heard Barton admitting having sex with two pupils at the school, but denied teaching one of them. Barton claimed both students were aged over 18.

Miss Barclay put to him: "If these girls were 18, you would not be facing these charges. This is desperate lies as you are being held to account for what could be described as predatory behaviour."

Barton replied: "I’m trying to explain what happened under oath."

He further refuted one of the girl’s allegations that she had been "groomed" by him.

Miss Barclay later said: "You used your position to take advantage of these young women?" Barton replied: "Absolutely not." He also denied handling another pupil’s buttocks, stating that it was her lower back.

Miss Barclay said: "Your position is that eight women have came to this court to tell lies to the police, gave witness statements and told lies under oath to the jury?"

Barton replied: "Yes."

Gary McAteer, defending, asked his client if he heard evidence of anyone flinching from his touch and he replied: "No."

The lawyer also questioned if a pianist, another instructor or teacher questioned his behaviour. Barton again replied: "No."

Former professional ballet dancer Wendy Wright, 71, was asked by Mr McAteer if there was anything wrong with physical touch when correcting moves in ballet.

She replied: "To me, not at all. You have to feel, squeeze and touch so they know exactly what they are doing."

The lawyer further questioned whether Mrs Wright has touched someone on the buttocks when correcting them. She stated it was "part of the training" to feel the muscle.

The trial continues before Sheriff William Gallacher.