Calls for Chetham's School of Music abuse claims inquiry

Chetham's is one of the best-known music schools in the UK

Calls have been made for a public inquiry into claims of sexual abuse against former staff at a prestigious music school.

Violin teacher Chris Ling - who was to face charges relating to his time at Chetham's School of Music - shot himself dead as US police moved to arrest him last week.

Barrister James Keeley said an inquiry would allow evidence to be heard.

The Manchester-based school said it would "co-operate fully".

Following the conviction of Michael Brewer and his former wife in 2013, allegations of abuse were made against several ex-staff at Chetham's School of Music.

Mr Keeley said an inquiry would allow complainants to "have their say" and would "make recommendations that could apply to institutions all over the length and breadth of the United Kingdom."

Manchester City Council said it would "participate constructively" in any discussions over historical matters.

Operation Kiso

In a letter to the Times newspaper, Mr Keeley wrote: "I urge political leaders in Manchester not to look to central government but to take control themselves, do the right thing and set up an inquiry without delay."

Mr Ling, 58, was among a number of suspects in a police inquiry concerning historical allegations at the school.

It had been reported 10 women said the former freelance violin teacher abused them in the 1980s.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said the force had intended to charge Mr Ling with 77 offences.

The allegations were part of the wide-ranging Operation Kiso inquiry, which is also investigating claims of abuse at the Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM) in Manchester.

Barrister James Keeley said an inquiry would allow "complainants to have their say" and recommendations could be made

Pianist Martyn Roscoe, who quit as RNCM's head of keyboards after accusing colleague Malcolm Layfield of having affairs with students, said he "fully supported" any inquiry into both Chetham's and the RNCM.

"It is really important that this doesn't go away," he said.

Violin teacher Mr Layfield admitted a string of consensual relationships with students in the 1980s at Chetham's but was cleared of a charge of rape in June.

Other Chetham's and RNCM cases:

Former Chetham's music director Michael Brewer and his ex-wife Hilary were convicted in March 2013 of indecently assaulting ex-pupil Frances Andrade more than 30 years ago. Mrs Andrade killed herself at her Surrey home a week after giving evidence.

In 2014, former conductor Nicholas Smith admitted sexually assaulting a 15-year-old Chetham's pupil in the 1970s.

Last November, double bass teacher Duncan McTier, who taught at various institutions including RNCM, also pleaded guilty to sexual assaults against three ex-pupils.

Councillor Sheila Newman, executive member for children's services, said Manchester City Council would support any future inquiry into Chetham's.

"The council stands ready however to participate constructively in any discussions which may be held in the future, just as we have already over the last couple of years in ensuring the school's safeguarding responsibilities are fully discharged."

In a statement the music school said: "Like many other institutions, Chetham's has been contacted by the Goddard Inquiry which has been set up by the government to look into historic child abuse.

"The school will of course be co-operating fully".