Port Stephens dance teacher Ryan Hards faces court charged with sexual abuse of students
Police allege a Port Stephens dance teacher sexually abused students as young as 12. A strike force wants to hear from anyone with further information.
Police & Courts
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A Port Stephens dance teacher charged with sexually abusing students as young as 12 “absolutely and categorically denies” the allegations, a court has heard.
Ryan Shane Hards, 27, was charged by detectives from Strike Force Wairakei, established in March to investigate allegations of his inappropriate behaviour towards students.
Police allege Hards, part-owner and artistic director at The Collective Dance Academy at Salamander Bay, sexually abused four students and a girl aged between 12 and 17, between 2013 and 2019.
The Corlette man was on Wednesday charged with 12 offences, including three counts of aggravated indecent assault; three counts of indecent assault of a person under 16 years of age, aggravated sex assault – victim under the age of 16 years; aggravated sex assault; assault with act of indecency; common assault; and sexual intercourse reckless as to consent.
Hards, who also works as a real estate agent, was supported by family as he made a bail bid in Raymond Terrace Local Court on Thursday.
Lawyer William Buxton told the court Hards had no criminal history and faced a terrifying wait in custody before a trial sometime next year.
“The charges are extraordinarily serious given the number of complainants,” Mr Buxton said.
“He absolutely and categorically denies each and every one of the allegations.
“He says he is not guilty and there is no substance to the complaints whatsoever.”
Hards’ mother Jodie told the court he suffered a wheat allergy and could die from anaphylaxis while behind bars, if not given an Epipen within minutes.
In response to Mr Buxton’s claims evidence was “scant”, police prosecutor Sergeant Justin Watson said Hards had sent one of the alleged victims a letter “corroborating” the police case.
Magistrate Ian Cheetham adjourned the matter until Friday with a decision on bail to be made then.
The Collective Dance Academy’s website describes Hards as a teacher of more than 10 years.
“Ryan brings a wealth of knowledge to our team,” the website reads.
“With a strong performance background Ryan’s focus is on artistry across all genres and helping every student reach their full potential.
“Ryan has been involved in the creative direction of many shows, has led numerous groups and solos to success at eisteddfods and has over 10 years’ experience as a teacher and choreographer.”
The Collective Dance Academy has been contacted for comment.
Strike Force Wairakei investigations continue and anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000.
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