BRASS BAND CONDUCTOR JAILED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF MINOR
Sam Olsson, a teacher and brass band conductor, has been sentenced to 15 months in prison, suspended for 20 months, and ordered to complete 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days with 100 hours of unpaid work, after admitting to two counts of sexual activity with a girl under 18 by a person in a position of trust.He was also sentenced at Bolton Crown Court on Friday, 27th June, to a 12-month mental health treatment requirement and was imposed a sexual harm prevention order.Additionally, Olsson is prohibited from any paid or voluntary work involving children under 18 for 10 years.The Bolton News reported that Olsson previously worked as a maths teacher at Bolton UTC, which closed in 2019, during which time he began a relationship with a teenage girl.Arrest detailsOlsson was first arrested in February 2023 and did not comment to police.
He was re-arrested in April 2023, after which he confessed to the crimes.
The victim described him as: "Instead of being my teacher and guide, he ultimately ended up being my abuser."Grooming and sentencing commentsAlthough the judge accepted Olsson's defense that he has since matured and regrets his actions, they noted that his misconduct began through grooming behavior.
The judge emphasized that Olsson abused his trust as an educator and caused lasting harm to the victim.Despite the sentence, Olsson continued conducting band activities after his sentencing, including Greenfield Band at recent contests and Besses o' th' Barn Band two days later, on June 29, 2025.
Besses o' th' Barn later issued a statement distancing the band from him, saying: "The individual has no association with Besses o' th' Barn Band with immediate effect from 1st July 2025," and ensuring they would not comment further on the matter.
