Ballet West Friends

07/12/2023

In case you missed this report on the ITV News last night.

We'd like to thank Peter Smith and all of the team at ITV who worked tirelessly to help get this investigation underway and into court. Without them, it may never have happened. It's obviously not the outcome that Peter and his team hoped for, but it certainly wasn't down to lack of hard work.

Thank you Peter for all your help. We are extremely grateful.

Jonathan Barton, 41, was acquitted of eight charges against eight different women during a trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court. | ITV National News

07/12/2023

This news item was reported on the ITV website during the second week of the trial. We feel it is important for people to understand some of the evidence that was provided.

The outcome yesterday does not reflect what was heard in that courtroom. Our justice system is immeasurably flawed.

Jonathan Barton, 41, denies all charges against him. | ITV National News

06/12/2023

No matter the outcome of this trial, the bravery and resilience of the girls who stood in that witness box is to be commended. You have shown the world that you stand up for the rights of women to be safe and protected in any environment and any situation.

Unfortunately, their bravery has not been rewarded. Justice for the despicable actions that far too many students at Ballet West had to endure, has not been granted and it is bitterly disappointing. We are at the mercy of a jury, the questioning and cross-examining by two lawyers, the Judge and the rules of the court. It is never an easy outcome for either party, there is never any certainty about how a jury will vote, we have to accept the outcome and move on.

We will always retain our dignity and honesty with regard to any reporting we provide on this page and obviously welcome your thoughts. Please consider those who have been personally affected by this very sad outcome when leaving comments.

A not guilty verdict does not mean innocent.

20/11/2023

It’s looking like the trial won’t start until tomorrow. Nothing to suggest there’s any issues, just process a procedure.

We’ll keep you updated as much as we can.

20/11/2023

If any of you are planning to attend the trial, we've just been informed that this morning will be purely procedural and the actual hearing will potentially begin around 2pm this afternoon, Monday 20th November. It is scheduled to last for at least three weeks.

The amount of information we can provide you over the next three weeks will be limited. It is crucial that nothing hinders the outcome of this trial in favour of all those who have been affected. Please resist using social media to discuss the trial as it might be considered in contempt of court and could affect the outcome.

19/11/2023

As far as we are aware, the court case will be starting tomorrow, Monday 20th November, at Dumbarton Sheriff’s Court. The first day may be purely procedural, but we will report back as and when there’s any news.

We appreciate that everyone involved is probably feeling nervous and apprehensive. Please know that we are thinking of you. Your bravery and resilience will hopefully be rewarded with the justice you deserve.

28/09/2023

We have been informed that the date for the trial has been set for the 20th November, 2023, 10am at Dumbarton Sheriff Court. There is no guarantee that it will actually start on that day, but it will be that week. This is all the information we have at this point.

22/09/2023

Following our last post about British Gymnastics, today’s first item on Radio 4’s Women’s Hour is worth a listen…

Have you heard of the term 'sharenting'? Are you an habitual 'sharent'?

20/09/2023

Doing what they do best, hiding the truth.
This list should also show those who have been suspended , the reasons for the suspension and what they had to ‘pretend to do’ to just be given the okay to resume teaching. ‘Innocent till proved guilty’ but to suspend 2 South African sisters, insist on them taking part in re-education, is a clear acceptance of their guilt of wrong doing.

British Gymnastics is accused by a campaign group of a "serious institutional betrayal" by not including more people on a list of banned coaches and members.

11/09/2023

Tonight's Panorama on BBC1 is titled "The Dark Side of Ballet Schools'.

A very relevant title for all involved with Ballet West. It might be worth a watch...

Investigating claims of bullying and body shaming at two of the UK's top ballet schools.

11/05/2023

We received the attached article this morning. The number of charges is actually 14 for sexual offences and 1 for perverting the course of justice.