March 2015

Former musical director of Devon Opera admits making indecent images of children

A CHOIR leader and concert pianist from Buckfastleigh has admitted making indecent images of children and breaching the terms of his Sexual Offences Prevention Order.

Former Devon Opera musical director Jonathan Watts, 56, who has also performed with the Dartington International Summer School, pleaded guilty to nine offences of making indecent images of children when he appeared before magistrates in Torquay.

He also admitted a tenth charge of breaching his Sexual Offences Prevention Order — imposed in 2006 — by downloading adult pornography and indecent images of children.

The offences took place in Buckfastleigh on dates between 2006 and 2014.

Until January Watts was musical director of Devon Opera.

Robert Hough, chairman of Devon Opera said: “He resigned in January saying it was for personal reasons, which we accepted.

“This will come as a shock to a lot of people.

“In the context of his musical activity his involvement with Devon Opera was small.

“He was never employed by Devon Opera he was just engaged by us as the musical director when we needed him.”

On a website advertising his availability as a musician Watts describes himself as a ‘soloist and accompanist specialising in choral, vocal and instrumental accompaniment’.

“I also specialise in teaching aural tests in the upper grades particularly to adult pupils,” he says.

Dartington International Summer School also released a statement.

It said: “We’re saddened to hear that one of the previous musicians at Dartington International Summer School has recently been convicted of downloading indecent images.

“We take our duty of care and commitment to responsible safeguarding very seriously, and Dartington has robust procedures in place that are regularly reviewed to ensure the safety of adults and young people taking part in our activities and to protect them from harm.”

Magistrates said the offences were too serious for them to deal with and sent Watts for sentence to Plymouth Crown Court on April 24. They ordered a pre-sentence report.

Watts, of Dart Bridge Road, was granted conditional bail until then.