Brewer jailed for indecent assault

A choirmaster has been jailed for six years for sexually abusing a former pupil at Cheetham's school of music in Manchester.

Michael Brewer and his ex wife Hilary Brewer were found guilty of abusing Francis Andrade 30 years ago. She took her own life after giving evidence at the trial.

Ashley Derricott reports:-

The son of a woman who killed herself after telling a court her choirmaster sexually abused her is calling for an urgent review of witness care.

The former pupil of Manchester's famous Cheetham's music school took her life after being cross examined

The son of an abused woman has paid tribute to her and called for more support for abuse victims.

Frances Andrade, 48, is believed to have killed herself after appearing at the trial of Michael and Hilary Brewer at Manchester Crown Court.

Mrs Andrade's son Oliver said having her personal integrity challenged in court was "more than she could bear".

Click here for more.

48-year-old Frances Andrade, who was sexually assaulted as a child by the former director of music at Chetham's school of music, Michael Brewer, was visibly agitated as she gave evidence. She complained her molester was smiling at her in the dock.

Judge Martin Rudland said Mrs Andrade had taken personal issue with some of Brewer's barrister's questions, Ms Kate Blackwell QC.

Ms Blackwell said she was "indulging in the realms of fantasy" and several times said her testimony was "simply not true". Mrs Andrade responded:

The judge indicated that Miss Blackwell had acted perfectly properly and professionally in her line of questioning.

Michael Brewer has been found not guilty of rape and his ex-wife Kay Brewer has been found not guilty of aiding & abetting her husband in rape.

He has already been convicted of five counts of sexual assault.

Brewer has been remanded in custody.