Former Royal College of Music violin teacher Jan Repko, 68, has denied sexually assaulting a prospective student, telling a jury he was demonstrating exercises to improve her technique. Repko, who also taught at Chetham's School of Music and the Royal Northern College of Music, is on trial at Southwark Crown Court accused of sexual assault by touching and assault by penetration.
Accusations and defense
The complainant, a woman who attended a consultation lesson with Repko, alleges he touched her waist and bottom, placed his hand over her crotch area, undid her trousers, and assaulted her with his finger. Repko claims the physical contact was part of exercises designed to help her relax and improve her violin technique.
Giving evidence on Wednesday, Repko demonstrated one exercise to the jury, explaining it involves positioning fingers on the instrument to relax the hand. When asked if he stood up during the lesson, he replied: 'As I remember, I was sat – there is no need for me to stand up during this exercise.' He described the complainant as 'smart' and said she understood his instructions quickly.
Details of the alleged assault
The court previously heard that the assault is alleged to have occurred while Repko was showing the woman a posture correction exercise. In a police interview, the complainant said Repko asked 'May I?', which she interpreted as permission to touch her hand. She agreed, but instead he placed one hand on her waist and the other on her bottom. Shocked and unsure how to respond, she continued playing, after which Repko allegedly put his hand over her crotch, undid her trousers, and sexually assaulted her with his finger.
Repko told jurors he asked the woman twice if it was okay to touch her, and she consented. He said he placed one hand on her hip and another on her back, instructing her to stand straight 'like a plank'. He noted a change in the sound of her violin after the exercise, indicating success.
Background and trial
Repko, from Walworth, South East London, denies the charges. The Royal College of Music, established in 1883, was ranked the world's leading institution for performing arts in 2022. The trial continues.
