FIONA CARRIER SENTENCED FOR INDECENT ASSAULT IN GORING-ON-THAMES AND BEDINGFIELD

In a case that has shocked the local community, Fiona Carrier, a 61-year-old piano instructor, was formally sentenced following her conviction for indecently assaulting a young boy in Goring-on-Thames. The incident, which took place in the late 1990s, involved Carrier abusing her trusted position as a music teacher to commit acts of a sexual nature against her young student.

Carrier appeared before Oxford Crown Court on Thursday, July 6, where she pleaded guilty to one count of indecent assault. The court heard that the assault occurred when the victim was sitting on a sofa in her residence, and that Carrier had admitted to sexually touching him during that encounter. Despite her admission to this specific act, she was found not guilty of five additional counts of indecent assault related to the same victim, which were also part of the charges brought against her. The trial, which lasted a week, revealed disturbing details about her misconduct.

Prosecutors argued that Carrier, who was in her mid-30s at the time, had engaged in repeated sexual activities with the boy at her home in Goring. It was alleged that she exploited her role as a music teacher at a private school, Blue Coat School in Reading, Berkshire, where she earned approximately £20,000 annually. The court was informed that the boy, along with some of his peers, would visit Carrier’s residence to participate in music lessons, during which the abuse took place.

Fiona Carrier’s actions represented a gross breach of trust, as she used her professional position to commit these indecent acts. Her misconduct has left a lasting impact on the victim and has raised serious concerns about safeguarding within the community. Carrier, who resides in Bucklebury, Berkshire, will now be registered as a sex offender for the next ten years. Additionally, she is required to complete up to 35 days of rehabilitation activities as mandated by the probation service. A restraining order has also been issued against her, prohibiting any contact with the victim to prevent further harm.

This case underscores the importance of vigilance and safeguarding in educational and community settings, especially when dealing with vulnerable young individuals. The court’s decision reflects the seriousness of her offenses and the ongoing efforts to protect victims from exploitation and abuse.