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B.C. Ballet School Founder Guilty of Sex Charges Involving Teenage Student
The judge found the dancer credible and said messages backed her account, while Beales was acquitted on one count involving explicit material.
- On Wednesday, Oct. 14, B.C. Supreme Court Justice Liliane Bantourakis found former ballet instructor David Chaplin Beales guilty of sexual interference and sexual exploitation involving a student at his Maple Leaf School of Russian Ballet between 2019 and 2021.
- Beales first met the student when she was nine, and she later enrolled in his Comprehensive Professional Development Program at 13. Bantourakis noted the dancer idolized Beales as the "keeper of the information" for her career, creating a significant power imbalance.
- Justice Bantourakis rejected Beales' testimony as "evasive and sometimes contradictory," while finding the dancer's account credible. Evidence, including encrypted Signal messages, corroborated the dancer's testimony regarding sexual contact beginning when she was 15.
- While convicting Beales on two indictable offences, the judge acquitted him of making sexually explicit material available. He faces a potential prison sentence of one to 14 years, though a sentencing date has not yet been set.
- Until sentencing, Beales must adhere to release conditions imposed July 25, 2025, which prohibit him from working or volunteering with anyone under 16. Restrictions include avoiding public parks, swimming areas, and school grounds where minors could reasonably be expected.
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12 Articles
Victoria-area ballet school teacher found guilty of sexual offences involving 15-year-old student
David Beales was originally charged with sexual interference, sexual exploitation and making sexually explicit material available to the girl, but he was found not guilty of the third charge.
·Ottawa, Canada
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Winnipeg Free Press+5 Reposted by 5 other sources
B.C. ballet school founder guilty of sex charges involving teenage student
VICTORIA - The founder of a ballet school in Greater Victoria has been found guilty of two sexual offences over his relationship with a 15-year-old student.
·Winnipeg, Canada
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Total News Sources12
Leaning Left6Leaning Right0Center6Last UpdatedBias Distribution50% Left, 50% Center
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources lean Left, 50% of the sources are Center
50% Center
L 50%
C 50%
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