Piano teacher Anthony Theodore Vance jailed for five years for sexually abusing students
An elderly piano teacher from South Australia who sexually abused three of his students has been jailed for five years.
Anthony Theodore Vance, 76, was found guilty of the persistent sexual exploitation of three young students between 2003 and 2008 during lessons he gave at two schools on the Fleurieu Peninsula or at his Christies Beach home, south of Adelaide.
The District Court heard the offending involved indecent touching on top of the girls' clothing.
Vance has maintained his innocence and Judge Michael Boylan told him he had shown little insight into what was a substantial breach of trust.
"Children of all ages must be protected from sexual predators," Judge Boylan said.
"There were three victims, you have no insight into your offending and its consequences, and your offending involved a substantial breach of trust."
Judge Boylan said he had seen more severe cases of sexual abuse, but that did not mean Vance's offending had not had a lasting impact.
"The fondling of all three girls was always on the outside of their clothing. There was never any penetration," he said.
"Many offences against children involve more physically invasive contact.
"[One victim] said that she was a prisoner to her secret.
"That is a very eloquent way to describe how victims of sexual abuse feel."
Vance can apply for parole in three years.
He no longer teaches at schools and has only two private students.
The court heard he has notified them and others he has dealings with of his charges and the verdicts.
