SWINDON DANCE TEACHER CHARGED WITH THREE COUNTS OF RAPE
A children's dance teacher has been charged with rape and engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour.Richard Whyburd, 42, of Milton Road, appeared at Swindon Magistrates Court on Wednesday, December 17, after being charged with three counts of rape and one count of engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour in an intimate relationship.
It is alleged that between December 29, 2015 and July 31, 2020, Whyburd repeatedly or continuously engaged in behaviour which was controlling or coercive, including encouraging a woman to take drugs, isolating her from her family and sending abusive messages.
He is accused of manipulating her into engaging in sexual acts involving role play, including mock rape, acting like a child and playing dead.
The rape offences reportedly took place between September 1, 2019 and May 31, 2020.
His case has been committed to Swindon Crown Court for a plea and trial preparation hearing on Friday, January 16, 2026 and he has been remanded on conditional bail.
Whyburd set up Swindon Academy of Street Dance in 2018, running classes for children between the ages of three and 19.
His LinkedIn profile says he is a dance instructor at Swindon Dance, but the organisation has confirmed he is not associated with them in any way.
A social media post on Swindon Dance said: "A WARNING MESSAGE FOR ALL OUR USERS "If you come across a person claiming to be a teacher at Swindon Dance named Richard Whyburd or Why Burd also known as ZBoogz steer clear.
"HE IS NOT A TEACHER AT SWINDON DANCE.
"He has UNOFFICIALLY used our logo and name on his LinkedIn account.
"HE IS NOTHING TO DO WITH SWINDON DANCE.
We have reported him."
