Music teacher Janelle Fletcher on trial for sexual abuse of child, communicating with children for sex

A music teacher and former Fringe performer lured a teenager to perform sexual acts with her over several months and told her she was “so in love with her”, a court has heard.

A music teacher and former Fringe performer lured a teenager to perform sexual acts with her over several months and told her she was “so in love with her”, but had to wait until she’d turned 17, a court has heard.

Janelle Colville Fletcher is standing trial in the South Australian District Court charged with one count each of sexual abuse of a child and communicate to make a child amenable to sexual activity.

Opening the trial, prosecutor Chris Allen said Dr Fletcher, then in her early thirties, was playing a game of truth or dare when she dared the two teenage girls to kiss each other.

“The accused encouraged (the two teens) to engage in sexual activity with one another in her presence,” Mr Allen said.

“On the prosecution case … the accused came into the room and there is effectively a game of truth or dare that commenced.

“At one stage, the accused did what could be described as a lap dance on a chair. The accused was saying things to each of the girls like ‘would you date (each other)’, ‘I dare you to kiss each other’.”

Dr Janelle Colville Fletcher in publicity shots for her Fringe show. Picture: Supplied

Janelle Fletcher, a music teacher and flute player, outside court at an earlier appearance. Picture: NCA NewsWire

Mr Allen said that after that, one of the girls went to sleep, and she allegedly continued to engage in sexual conduct with the other.

“The accused and (the other girl) were alone together. They kiss, and then ultimately, the accused touches (the girl’s) genital area.”

Dr Fletcher is accused of engaging in other sexual acts with the teenager on the following nights, but Mr Allen said she then continued the relationship with the girl for several more months.

“A relationship continued between them … that relationship continued until the (teenager), who was a child, ended that relationship,” he said.

Janelle Fletcher, a music teacher and flute player, outside court at an earlier appearance. Picture: NCA NewsWire

Dr Janelle Colville Fletcher in publicity shots for her Fringe show. Picture: Supplied

The court heard the sexual relationship had occurred in the girl’s home, in Dr Fletcher’s home and car, and in other locations.

Mr Allen said some of the text messages and emails between Dr Fletcher and the girl included the accused telling her she was “so in love with her”.

“On the prosecution case … while the sexual relationship continued, the accused sent messages including saying how attracted she was to (the girl), how she was feeling.

“She expressed the following …’I’m so in love with you, you make me so happy’.

“The same month, she said ‘right now we can’t be open. We have to continue as we are, in secret … I don’t know if that is fair on you, but I don’t know if that is fair on you’.”

Mr Allen also said that once the girl’s birthday came around, Dr Fletcher bought her “numerous gifts”, including underwear.

“They went to the movies … there were photos taken in a photo booth,” he said.

“That involves the acts of kissing.”

The trial continues.

Originally published as Music teacher Janelle Fletcher on trial for sexual abuse of child, communicating with children for sex