CPS stands firm over abuse case

Chetham's School of Music has responded to fresh claims of alleged sexual abuse in the wake of the conviction of a top choirmaster.

"Several people" have contacted Greater Manchester Police directly after the conclusion of the trial of Michael Brewer, the former director of music at the school.

A spokeswoman for Chetham's said:

Police have confirmed they are investigating new claims of abuse following the jailing of a choirmaster at the prestigious Chetham's School of Music in Manchester.

Michael Brewer and his former wife Kay, both 68, were convicted on Friday of indecently assaulting a former music student more than 30 years ago.

Their victim, 48-year-old Frances Andrade, killed herself shortly after testifying against them.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said "several people" had come forward to speak to police since last week's convictions, while detectives had also received a "list of potential victims from a newspaper".

Chief Superintendent Russ Jackson said the investigation was at an early stage and said officers would be "working very closely with the school in the coming weeks and months".

He urged anyone who wants to report abuse at the school to contact GMP on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has defended itself against accusations that Frances Andrade, the woman who was sexually abused by a choir director and is believed to have killed herself during his trial, was let down by the court system.

The CPS said a dedicated witness care officer was assigned to explain the trial process to Mrs Andrade and she had restated her willingness to give evidence on several occasions, both before and during the trial.

It said a dedicated witness care officer was assigned to explain the trial process and she was offered a familiarisation visit to the court in advance.

A gifted violinist who was sexually abused by a leading choir director is believed to have killed herself after giving evidence against him, it has emerged.

Frances Andrade was found at her home less than a week after she had told a jury Michael Brewer had abused her when she was a teenager.

He and his wife were both convicted today at Manchester Crown Court.

ITV News special correspondent Rageh Omaar reports:

WARNING: This video contains flashing images

The NSPCC said the death of Francis Andrade, who is believed to have taken her own life after giving evidence against sex abuser Michael Brewer, and his wife Kay, was a 'stark reminder' of trauma of reliving sex crimes in court.

Jon Brown said:

Nazir Afzal, Chief Crown Prosecutor for CPS North West, said "everyone connected" with the case was extremely saddened by the news of the death of Francis Andrade, who is believed to have taken her own life after giving evidence against sex abuser Michael Brewer, and his wife Kay. He said:

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.

A woman who was sexually abused by a leading youth choir director is believed to have killed herself during his trial, it can be reported.

The body of violin teacher Frances Andrade was found at her home less than a week after she gave evidence against Michael Brewer at Manchester Crown Court.

Brewer was convicted of five counts of indecently assaulting her at the age of 14 and 15 when she was known as Frances Shorney. He was cleared of raping Mrs Andrade when she was 18 at his then home in Chorlton, Manchester

More: Brewer guilty of indecent assault

A choirmaster has been found guilty of sexually abusing a music student in his office 30 years ago when she was aged just 14 and 15. Michael Brewer's former wife, Kay Brewer, was also found guilty of indecent assaulting the same victim as an adult at their family home.

The victim did not consider it sexual abuse at the time, and did not make an official complaint against Michael Brewer who worked at the prestigious Chetham's School of Music in Manchester. Get more on this story from ITV News Granada.