A CLASSICAL music teacher from Lyneham, near Chipping Norton, has appeared in court charged with a string of historic sex crimes.

Philip Pickett, 63, appeared at City of London Magistrates’ Court yesterday accused of crimes against nine victims, including a girl under the age of 14.

He is charged with three rapes, attempted rape, eight indecent assaults and actual bodily harm.

The crimes are alleged to have taken place between 1974 and 1988. He taught at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London between 1972 and 1997.

He was released on bail to appear at the Old Bailey on March 17.