A JURY in the trial of a ‘brilliant and charismatic’ music director accused of raping and sexually abusing a former pupil in Manchester more than 30 years ago has retired to consider its verdicts.
Michael Brewer, 68, is accused of committing a string of indecent assaults against the girl in the late 1970s and early 1980s, when she was aged 14 and 15, at the prestigious Chetham's School of Music in Manchester.
He is said to have raped her when she was 18 in the presence of his ex-wife, Hilary Kay Brewer, of Haslingden, also 68, at their then-family home.
She is also on trial at Manchester Crown Court accused of aiding and abetting the rape and committing a separate indecent assault on the alleged victim.
The sole complainant in the case said most of the alleged abuse by Brewer took place at the school as she visited his office and his camper van which was parked in its grounds.
The jury was told she did not consider it sexual abuse at the time and did not make an official complaint.
Brewer, of Swarthmore Road, Selly Oak, Birmingham, denies rape and eight counts of indecent assault. Mrs Brewer, known as Kay, of Knowl Gap Avenue, denies one count of indecent assault and aiding and abetting rape.
(Proceeding)
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