One of Britain’s most renowned harpists, who lives in Suffolk, has been charged with sexually abusing a teenage boy.
Danielle Perrett, who is facing seven allegations, has played music for the Royal family on many occasions, and for four consecutive prime ministers.
The allegations facing Perrett and Richard Barton-Wood, who has been a church warden and publicity officer at Wymondham Abbey, date back to the 1980s.
Barton-Wood, of Church Street, Wymondham, Norfolk, is said to have been involved in teaching in Suffolk when the alleged offences are reported to have happened.
The 68-year-old has pleaded not guilty to five counts of indecent assault on a teenage male, two charges of attempting to commit buggery and a further allegation of attempting to indecently assault a teenager.
Perrett, 58, of Bridge Street, Alpheton, is accused of seven indecent assaults.
However, due to a procedural issue her plea hearing was delayed until a later date.
During the hearing at Ipswich Crown Court, discussions took place relating to a timetable running up to a trial before jury.
At the end of the hearing Judge John Devaux said: “Your trial is fixed for January 2 next year. In the meantime you will have bail on the same basis as you have now.” Both defendants were released on conditional bail.
The couple were understood to be in a relationship at the time of the alleged offences.
The pair first appeared before the magistrates court in Ipswich on May 23, when their case was sent to the town’s court.
Perrett has performed at some of the highest profile events and before many VIPs. According to biographies she has played for the Royal family on many occasions, including special birthdays, and has performed for four consecutive prime ministers.
Perrett has played at Buckingham Palace and the Palace of Versailles. She has been a concerto soloist at major concert halls around the world.
Perrett has performed in Europe, North America, Africa, Australasia, India, and the Far East. Her recordings have received the acclaim of the world’s media. Perrett has broadcast on radio, TV, and has appeared in several films, including the BBC’s TV film of the Jane Austen novel Persuasion.
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