Teacher in sex abuse probe found shot dead
A TEACHER under investigation for sex abuse at a world- renowned Northern music school has apparently committed suicide immediately before his arrest.
Former violin tutor Chris Ling, 58, would have faced 77 abuse charges, police said yesterday.
But as offi cers in Los Angeles arrived to arrest him, they reportedly heard gunshots and discovered his body in his bedroom.
Ling was one of a number of suspects in an investigation into Manchester’s prestigious Chetham’s School of Music.
Bragged
US Marshals arrived at his house in Sherman Oaks, Los Angeles, on Tuesday and have now launched an investigation into “an apparent suicide”.
Mr Ling worked at Chetham’s as a freelance in the 1980s.
At least 10 women are believed to have made accusations that he would instruct girls as young as 13 to strip naked during lessons or spank their bare bottoms. He is also said to have bragged about taking nude pictures of them.
Lawyers for some of the victims said they were now likely to begin a civil action against Chetham’s.
Liz Dux, of Slater and Gordon, said: “We have been contacted by a number of women who have made serious allegations.
“They will now not see face a jury.
“It is always deeply upsetting when victims are denied the chance of justice. We will now be advising them to begin civil action against the school.”
Greater Manchester Police said yesterday it had intended to charge Ling with 77 offences as
Ling part of the investigation into historic sex abuse at Chetham’s and the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester.
Senior Investigating Offi cer Jamie Daniels said: “For over two years we have been working on what has been an extremely complex and sensitive investigation into Christopher Ling.
“There has, of course, been an expression of frustration and disappointment at this news by those affected as they will not get their chance to see justice.”
Ling moved to the United States in the early Nineties and ran a talent agency.
Jailed
The allegations against him formed part of a wide- ranging inquiry called Operation Kiso.
Claims against a number of music teachers emerged after the trial in 2013 of Michael Brewer, Chetham’s former director.
Brewer was jailed for six years for indecently assaulting Frances Andrade, 48, when she was aged 14 and 15. Mrs Andrade killed herself at home in Guildford, Surrey, a week after giving evidence.
In June, former violin teacher Malcolm Layfi eld, 63, from Manchester, was cleared of raping an 18- year- old female student.
Chetham’s was unavailable for comment last night.