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Music teacher jailed for 'exceptionally serious' sex attacks

A former music teacher has been jailed for a series of "exceptionally serious" sex attacks on two schoolgirls and a young woman in sound-proof practice rooms.

Philip Pickett, 64, has been sentenced to 11 years in prison after being found guilty of two rapes and two indecent assaults between 1979 and 1983.

The Old Bailey heard how Pickett, who taught at the prestigious Guildhall School of Music and Drama, lured vulnerable pupils into practice rooms, where no one would hear their screams, before assaulting them.

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Music school 'utterly shocked' at ex-teacher's abuse

A music school where a former teacher carried out "exceptionally serious" sex attacks on three women has said it is in "utter shock" at his crimes.

A view of Guildhall School of Music and Drama (bottom left). Credit: PA Wire

Philip Pickett was jailed for 11 years after being found guilty of two rapes and two indecent assaults on his victims between 1979 and 1983.

Pickett - who worked at Guildhall School of Music and Drama for over 25 years - lured his victims to sound-proofed music rooms where no one could hear their cries, the Old Bailey heard.

A spokesperson for the renowned school said: "Although these events took place several decades ago, this does not diminish our utter shock that a professional music teacher could abuse the trust placed in him by the school and its students.

"The Guildhall School wholeheartedly welcomes the verdicts. Justice has been done and our thoughts are with the victims of these dreadful crimes."

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