A former dance instructor from the Midlands has been sent to prison after admitting to a series of sexual offences committed against her former pupils.
Breach of Trust and Professional Manipulation
The court heard that Gregory Pichery used her professional standing and influence within the dance community to cultivate inappropriate relationships with young students under her tutelage. Prosecutors detailed how she manipulated the inherent trust and close-knit nature of her studio to foster emotional and physical dependencies, which she then exploited.
Several victims provided powerful statements to the court, describing the severe and lasting psychological impact of her actions. They spoke of the "lifelong scars", confusion, and guilt they experienced while being groomed under the pretence of dedicated coaching.
Guilty Plea and Sentencing
Pichery entered a guilty plea to multiple charges, a move that spared her victims the additional ordeal of a full trial. While her defence cited personal issues in mitigation, the judge determined the crimes were too severe for anything other than a custodial sentence.
In addition to the jail term, the court imposed a series of stringent orders designed to protect the public in future.
Lifetime Ban and Community Fallout
The judge handed down a permanent ban, prohibiting Pichery from ever working with children or in the teaching profession again. She has also been placed on the sex offenders register indefinitely.
The case has sent shockwaves through the local community and the wider dance world, prompting urgent calls for stricter safeguarding measures in private tuition settings. Local authorities are understood to be reviewing past interactions to ensure no other children were affected.
