WELSHPOOL DANCE TEACHER CHRISTOPHER GITTINS ADMITS TO CHILD SEXUAL OFFENCES INVOLVING MINOR FROM BRITAIN'S GOT TALENT FINALIST GROUP
In May 2020, a serious case involving a dance instructor from Welshpool came to light when Christopher Gittins, aged 22, pleaded guilty to multiple charges of engaging in sexual activity with a minor.The offences, which took place over a span of six weeks in 2018, involved a male child aged between 13 and 15 years old.
The court proceedings were conducted remotely via Skype during a sitting of Caernarfon Crown Court, where Gittins' legal representatives entered his guilty pleas.
Gittins was known publicly as a member of the popular dance act Boogie Storm, a troupe that gained national fame by reaching the finals of the tenth series of 'Britain’s Got Talent.' The group was distinctive for their costumes, as they dressed as Stormtroopers from the Star Wars franchise, which contributed to their popularity.
Their performances were notable enough to earn them Simon Cowell’s Golden Buzzer, with Cowell expressing, “you have made my dream come true.” Despite his public persona as a talented dancer and performer, Gittins used his position as a dance teacher at his girlfriend’s dance school to groom a young boy for his own sexual gratification.
The allegations and subsequent guilty plea have cast a shadow over his career and reputation.
The court has ordered a pre-sentence report from the probation service, which will inform the sentencing scheduled for May 21.
Until then, Gittins remains on bail, with strict conditions prohibiting any contact with the victim by any means.
The case highlights the serious nature of the offences and the importance of safeguarding minors from exploitation, even within seemingly innocent environments such as dance schools.
