Neil Harris, former dance teacher found guilty of 7 counts of indecent assault

A former dance teacher has been found guilty of sexual offences towards former pupils in the 1970s and 80s.

Neil Harris, 72, from Manta Road in Tamworth, was a teacher at a Birmingham dance school for more than 50 years.

Police said Harris would pull down one victim’s top to see how she was “developing” at the school in Erdington.

He was found guilty of seven counts of indecent assault relating to four girls at Birmingham Crown Court on Thursday.

When one of his victims from 1983 learned Harris was still teaching at the dance school in 2015, she came forward and told police he had touched her sexually between the ages of nine and 13.

As more victims came forward, Harris was charged with 21 counts of indecent assault on seven children in March.

He was found guilty of seven counts of indecent assault relating to four girls in the 1970s and 80s, and not guilty of 14 charges.

Harris is due to be sentenced on 19 January at Birmingham Crown Court.

If you, or a loved one, have been affected by sexual abuse, please do not hesitate to contact our team of experienced lawyers who will be happy to speak to you about whether it may be possible to bring an abuse claim.