A MUSIC teacher who indecently assaulted three blind female students has failed to get a reduction in his two-year sentence.

Andrew Alan Meredith, aged 49, of Worcester Road, Malvern, was jailed on March 5 at Worcester Crown Court after pleading guilty to three counts of indecent assault on the teenagers.

But last Thursday, London's Criminal Appeal Court refused to cut the term, rejecting submissions that it was too high.

Mr Justice Curtis, sitting with Lord Justice Keene and Judge James Maddison, said the indecency was not of the worst kind.

But he said: "The gravely aggravating feature of this case is the gross breach of trust of pupils he taught and the vulnerability of blind students."

Meredith was the director of music at the Royal National Institute for the Blind New College in Worcester.

The court heard that he had hugged, groped and kissed his victims. Mr Justice Curtis said Meredith had "groomed" his victims, starting by hugging them.

In arguing for a sentence cut, his lawyers said Meredith's life had been ruined. He has lost his job and livelihood and an occupation which he had loved.

He had been an "inspirational man and an excellent teacher" who, prior to the offences, for over 20 years had conducted himself impeccably with students.

Mr Justice Curtis noted he had been warned by the vice-principal in respect to one student about concerns the girl was becoming over-reliant on him and spending too much time with him.

Meredith was advised to be cautious, set limits on the time he spent with her and told not to be in a position where their dealings could not be witnessed.

The judge said Meredith had thanked the vice-principal for her words but "took absolutely no notice of that advice".