Student ‘repulsed by incident in attic at pianist’s home’

During a police interview the complainant, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, alleged Briggs would regularly put his hand down his trousers and also pull down the then schoolboy’s underpants as the youngster tried to do exercises aimed at strengthening his stomach muscles to improve his posture, Bradford Crown Court heard.

The complainant said he felt uncomfortable and embarrassed although Briggs never touched his penis, but he finally spoke out after an incident in the converted attic at the concert pianist’s home.

The complainant said Briggs was a flamboyant character who used unconventional teaching methods and that morning he had gone to his home expecting to be able to practise on his £25,000 Steinway piano.

The complainant said when he saw newspaper reports about other allegations against Briggs he wanted to support the people involved.

Briggs, 65, of Little Lane, East Morton, has denied a total of 10 allegations involving two former piano students and three former members of Keighley Sea Cadets.

The nine charges of indecent assault on a male and one of indecency with a child cover a 25-year period beginning in the late 1960s. When interviewed by police Briggs said it was “a vicious conspiracy against him”. The trial continues.