Harpist accused of sex assaults on boy of 14
A World-renowned harpist has been accused of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old boy with her church warden lover.
Danielle Perrett, 59, who has performed for the Queen, met the boy after her partner, Richard Barton-wood, 68, took him to watch a harp recital.
Yesterday, a court heard the recital led to the couple abusing the boy over the course of six months in 1984.
Ms Perrett, who has played for four prime ministers and at the Duke of Edinburgh’s 70th birthday celebrations, is accused of eight counts of sexual assault on a minor. Mr Barton-wood is accused of six offences of indecent assault, one of attempted buggery and one of attempted indecent assault. Both deny the charges.
A jury at Ipswich Crown Court heard how after first meeting the boy at a hotel, Ms Perrett slept with him several times at a flat in London, where Mr Barton-wood was also present.
William Carter, prosecuting, said that on at least one occasion, Mr Barton-wood allegedly got into bed with the pair to engage in sexual activity with both Ms Perrett and the victim.
The court heard how Mr Bartonwood got to know the victim in 1984, while working as a substitute teacher, when he was in a relationship with Ms Perrett. He is accused of sexually abusing the boy on various occasions.
After the victim made contact in 2001, Mr Barton-wood, of Wymondham, Norfolk, said he felt he was being blackmailed. Ms Perrett, of Alpheton, Suffolk, claimed she was threatened. The trial continues.