B.C. ballet school founder guilty of sex charges involving teenage student

In Victoria, David Beales, the founder of the Maple Leaf School of Russian Ballet, has been found guilty of two sexual offences involving a 15-year-old student. The charges, including sexual interference and sexual exploitation, were brought against Beales following his trial at the B.C. Supreme Court. The girl's parents had previously forbade her from returning to the school, leading Beales to propose a scholarship arrangement where she would no longer have to pay tuition or attendance fees.

However, the girl later became pregnant by Beales and had a miscarriage in 2020. She dropped out of school shortly after. Justice Liliane Bantourakis ruled Beales as not being a credible witness, while the Crown's evidence proved the charges against him. The judge found Beales' control and influence over the teen, identified as E.R. in the decision, to have been enhanced by her vulnerability and isolation.

Their sexual relationship lasted until 2022, with Beales having significant control over her until the school closed temporarily due to the COVID-19 pandemic in November 2020.