Michael Brewer: Victim 'killed herself' during trial

A woman indecently assaulted by a top choir director and his ex-wife died after giving evidence in their trial, it is revealed.Frances Andrade, 48, is believed to have killed herself after appearing at the trial of Michael and Hilary Brewer at Manchester Crown Court.Mrs Andrade's son Oliver said having her personal integrity challenged in court was "more than she could bear".
Brewer, 68, and his ex-wife Hilary, 67, were convicted earlier.
In a statement, Oliver Andrade said: "Like all people she was not impervious, being repeatedly called a liar and a fantasist about a horrific part of her life in front of a court challenged her personal integrity and was more than even she could bear."
Violin teacher

Brewer, of Selly Oak, Birmingham, carried out the offences while at Chetham's School of Music between 1978 and 1982.

Hilary Brewer, also known by her middle name Kay, and of Knowl Gap Avenue, Rossendale, was convicted of indecently assaulting the same victim when she was an adult at their then family home.

She was cleared of aiding and abetting rape.

Frances Andrade gave evidence from the witness box

The jury cleared Brewer of rape and one charge of indecently assaulting the victim as a child in his home.

They had both denied all charges.

Mrs Andrade was found dead at her home less than a week after she gave evidence.

The revelation came after the prosecution case closed and Brewer was defending himself.

Mrs Andrade, a violin teacher, chose to give evidence in the witness box in full view of everyone in the courtroom, including the two defendants in the dock.

Giving evidence, she said she was abused by Brewer as she visited his office. The jury was told she did not consider it sexual abuse at the time and did not make an official complaint.