A former dance instructor from the Midlands has been sentenced to prison for a series of sexual assaults committed against his students over a 15-year period.
Pattern of Abuse Uncovered
Gregory Pichery, now 57, was found guilty of four counts of sexual assault following a trial at Leicester Crown Court last month. The court heard how Pichery targeted young men, primarily while working at a performing arts college in Leicester. His crimes spanned from 2004 to 2012 against two students, who were aged 19 and 20 at the time.
The assaults took place during dance classes and while the victims were trying on costumes. One victim reported that Pichery had attempted to perform sexual acts on him. A second victim stated that Pichery sent him sexual comments via Facebook and touched him inappropriately on multiple occasions.
A Third Victim Comes Forward
As the police investigation progressed in 2019, a third adult victim contacted officers. This man reported that he had been sexually assaulted by Pichery at a grooming salon in Oadby, where the former teacher was then working. During a visit, Pichery exposed himself and forced the victim to touch him inappropriately.
Pichery, of Exeter Street in Blackpool, returned to Leicester Crown Court on Thursday, December 18, where he was handed a four-year prison sentence.
Lifetime Orders and Police Appeal
In addition to his jail term, the judge imposed significant restrictions on Pichery's future behaviour. He was made subject to an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order and will be on the sex offenders register for life.
Following the sentencing, Detective Constable Emma Burrows of Leicestershire Police said: “I hope today’s sentencing has provided the victims with a sense of closure and allows them to move on with their lives.”
She added a direct appeal to the public: “It’s never too late to report sexual offences to police and if there are others out there who were subject to Pichery’s actions, then please do get in touch.”
