Northern Ireland

Retired music teacher accused of sexually assaulting child

David Baxter, a former teacher and head of music at Erne Integrated College, Enniskillen retired in 2019

The woman appeared before Coleraine Magistrates Court on Thursday

A retired music teacher and former union president has been charged with sexually assaulting a female child.

David Baxter (65) of Killadeas Road, Lisnarick, is accused of sexually touching a child, aged under 13, on an unknown date between 1 February and 30 April 2018.

No details surrounding the circumstances of the alleged offending were disclosed during the short hearing at Enniskillen Magistrate’s Court on Monday.

A defence barrister requested some time to consult with Baxter as to how he intends to plead.

District Judge Alana McSorley adjourned the case until 23 September.

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An application for legal aid was refused.

Baxter, a former teacher and Head of Music at Erne Integrated College, Enniskillen retired in 2019.

He also served as Northern Ireland President of the National Association of Schoolmasters Union of Women Teachers (NASUWT), and as both a founding member musical director, of Chamber Choir West.

When the allegations came to light Baxter stood down as Director of Omagh Music Society (OMS) and  from his position with St McCartin’s Cathedral Choir in Enniskillen.