A former violin instructor at the Royal College of Music (RCM) facing allegations of sexual assault against a prospective student claimed he was demonstrating techniques to enhance her performance.
Jan Repko, a 68-year-old native of South Africa, is accused of sexually assaulting a woman during a consultation lesson in 2022.
The incident allegedly took place when Repko met the complainant for a trial session where she played pieces on the violin as part of an introductory session, as revealed in Southwark Crown Court.
It is claimed that Repko touched the woman’s waist and buttocks, then proceeded to touch her crotch area, undid her trousers, and sexually assaulted her. He is currently on trial facing charges of sexual assault by touching and assault by penetration.
During his testimony, Repko informed the court that he provided the complainant with exercises intended to help her relax and enhance her technique. He demonstrated one such exercise to the jury, explaining how it involved positioning the fingers on the instrument to promote hand relaxation.
When questioned about his actions during the lesson, Repko clarified that he remained seated while guiding the complainant through the exercises. He praised the woman’s quick understanding and ability to follow instructions.
Repko emphasized that the exercises were aimed at relaxing the complainant’s body, with one exercise involving correcting her posture by standing straight and leaning back. It was during this posture correction that the alleged assault occurred.
In a police interview, the woman recounted that Repko requested permission to touch her hand, which she perceived as him seeking consent. However, instead of touching her hand, he touched her waist and buttocks, then proceeded to sexually assault her.
Repko asserted that he had informed the woman of his intentions to help her relax and had received her consent before proceeding with the exercise. He described positioning his hands on her hip and back while instructing her to stand straight.
The trial revealed that the Royal College of Music, founded in 1883, held the top position as the world’s leading institution for performing arts in 2022.
Repko, a musician residing in Walworth, south-east London, has denied the allegations against him, and the trial is ongoing.
