A prominent music teacher and author who abused young girls in his care over a period spanning nearly two decades was sentenced to 13 years’ imprisonment at Snaresbrook Crown Court following an investigation by the Metropolitan Police.
Brian Davey, of Milton, Cambridge, appeared for sentence after pleading guilty to 27 sexual offences involving female pupils under his supervision.
The prosecution outlined that Davey’s offending occurred between 1971 and 1987. Davey was widely known in musical and educational circles, having written instructional music books on playing the recorder, teaching in primary and secondary schools across Islington, the Thames Valley region, and Cambridgeshire, alongside running an extensive private tuition practice.
The Metropolitan Police Child Abuse Investigation Team established that Davey operated an organised and calculated pattern of behaviour. He deliberately identified female students whom he considered showed musical promise on the recorder, using this praise to approach parents and offer private tuition sessions at his home address.
Once isolated in his residence, Davey breached the trust placed in him by both parents and schools to carry out repeated and systematic sexual abuse. The victims were aged between four and 14 years old, with the majority of offences concentrated on young girls aged between eight and ten.
Following formal charges, Davey entered guilty pleas across the full indictment:
15 counts of indecent assault of a female under 16
Nine counts of gross indecency with a child
Two counts of inciting a child to commit acts of gross indecency
One count of attempted rape of a female under 16
Passing sentence, Judge Bing described the proceedings as one of the worst cases of child abuse imaginable, noting the heartbreaking impact detailed in survivor victim statements. The judge imposed an immediate custodial sentence of 13 years’ imprisonment.
In addition to the custodial sentence, Davey was made subject to mandatory notification requirements on the Sex Offenders Register for life under the Sexual Offences Act 2003 and permanently barred from any employment, voluntary role, or regulated activity involving children.
Under the provisions of Section 49 of the Children and Young Persons Act 1933 and the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Act 1992, all child victims and complainants connected to criminal proceedings are protected by automatic, lifelong statutory anonymity. Publishing, broadcasting, or disseminating any details, names, addresses, educational facilities, or photographs capable of leading to public identification is strictly prohibited under UK law.
Davey stood convicted of:
15 counts of indecent assault of a female under 16
Nine counts of gross indecency with a child
Two counts of inciting a child to commit gross indecency
Attempted rape of a female under 16
Sentencing outcome and statutory measures:
13 years’ immediate custody
Mandatory notification requirements on the Sex Offenders Register for life under the Sexual Offences Act 2003
Permanent barring from working with children or vulnerable adults (Children’s and Adults’ Barred Lists)
Strict post-custodial statutory licence supervision conditions enforceable upon release from custody
Image – Anonymous Artist Impression
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