Music Teacher Sentenced for Sexual Assault at Music Festival

Richard Barlow, a former music teacher, was sentenced to 15 years in prison for sexually assaulting two underage girls at the Rock and Blues Festival in Derbyshire. The court heard that Barlow gave the girls drugs and sexually assaulted them in a tent at the festival.

Barlow, 39, was found guilty of eight offenses related to sexual activity with children and possession of indecent images. The court heard that one of his victims was left suicidal, depressed and anxious, while the other constantly relives the experience.

In his sentencing remarks, Recorder Michael Auty QC described Barlow's actions as "wicked" and said that he had "given appreciative thought" to the process of drugging the girls. He added that the girls were vulnerable due to their age.

Detective Constable Richard Howe of Nottinghamshire Police stated that Barlow "exploited girls who were less than half his age" and "knew full well that what he was doing was wrong." He praised the victims for their courage and dignity throughout the trial.

The Rock and Blues festival organisers have been approached for comment on the incident.