Adelaide music teacher cleared of abuse

Download IPFS

A South Australian music teacher has been found not guilty of sexually abusing two teenage girls after a month-long trial that drew close public attention.

Judge Joanne Fuller delivered her verdict in the South Australian District Court this week, clearing 40-year-old Janelle Fletcher of multiple allegations that she had groomed and abused underage girls. Fletcher had consistently denied all charges throughout the proceedings.

The prosecution, led by Chris Allen, alleged Fletcher engaged in grooming behavior and sexual contact with one girl, while also attempting to influence another into sexual activity. The claims stretched across several locations, including Fletcher’s home and car.

Prosecutors relied heavily on a series of emails and texts between Fletcher and one of the alleged victims. In these, Fletcher wrote statements such as “my feelings for you are not lust but love” and “right now, we can’t be open.” A photo taken in a cinema booth that showed Fletcher kissing the girl was also presented as evidence of unlawful sexual conduct.

Allen argued that the messages, photographs, and oral testimony demonstrated the “true nature” of Fletcher’s relationship with the girl. He further alleged that Fletcher, during one encounter, performed a lap dance in front of the girls, encouraged them to kiss, and later touched one of them inappropriately.

Fletcher’s legal team, led by Andrew Culshaw, maintained that the prosecution misinterpreted both the emails and the photo booth incident. Culshaw conceded the written words could appear incriminating at first glance, but argued they reflected a non-sexual attempt to manage a difficult situation.

According to the defense, Fletcher intended to discourage the girl and redirect her toward age-appropriate relationships. Culshaw described the situation as “a relatively young teacher, in her early 30s, who had got herself in too deep and was trying to extricate herself.”

As for the photo booth kiss, Fletcher testified it was not a genuine kiss but rather an accidental moment during what she described as a “pretend kiss” staged for the photo strip. She claimed the girl pulled her in unexpectedly, resulting in the captured image.

Her defense also argued the photograph did not constitute child sexual abuse, as the girl had turned 17 by the time it was taken, above the age of consent in South Australia. Additionally, they stressed Fletcher was no longer in a position of authority over the girl when the photo occurred.

After weeks of deliberation, Judge Fuller rejected the prosecution’s case. She ruled the evidence failed to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Fletcher committed the alleged offences.

The judge-only trial concluded with Fletcher cleared of all charges, bringing an end to a case that had gripped Adelaide’s education and legal circles.

Fletcher, who holds a PhD in music education, has taught extensively across South Australia. During the trial, she told the court she was heterosexual, followed the Catholic faith, and was legally married, though separated from her husband.

The verdict closes a lengthy and difficult chapter for Fletcher, whose reputation and career were placed under intense scrutiny.