Music teacher denies sexually assaulting girls

A music teacher has denied charges of sexual assault in relation to several girls - both within school settings and in his home studio.

Philip Anderson, 49, pleaded not guilty during a short hearing at Cheltenham Magistrates' Court to six counts of sexually assaulting a girl under 13 by touching.

The charges relate to offences alleged to have been committed over a four-year period against six girls at two Gloucestershire schools where Anderson was employed as a private music teacher.

Anderson, of Dursley, Gloucestershire, also denied two counts of sexually assaulting a female aged above 16 in relation to a girl who was privately tutored at his home studio.

Anderson spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and address and enter his pleas during the hearing.

Magistrates sent the case to Gloucester Crown Court and told the defendant a plea and case management hearing would take place on 5 May.

Anderson was released on conditional bail.

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