Cannock disco dance teacher probed by drugs cops

May 3 2009 by Rebekah Oruye, Sunday Mercury

A MIDLAND disco dance teacher faces suspension after he allegedly took drugs while attending a children’s contest at a Pontins holiday resort.

Cops were called to Brean Sands in Somerset after Richard Dyke, from Cannock, Staffordshire, and another teacher were allegedly spotted using illegal substances.

The pair were arrested in one of the resort’s toilet blocks, and are currently on police bail pending further investigation.

When contacted by the Sunday Mercury, Mr Dyke declined either to confirm or deny any involvement in the alleged incident, saying only: “I have nothing to say”.

Both men had taken their separate dance troupes to the child-friendly location for a competition, during which Mr Dyke was also taking part as a judge.

The 31-year-old has been a qualified dance teacher for six years. He runs the Style Dance Academy, and is a member of the Association of Dance & Freestyle Professionals.

He hires halls to teach his classes at Ley Hill Farm and Bartley Green in Birmingham, and in Cannock.

One angry mum-of-two from Cannock, who did not wish to be identified, said she had sent her children on the £100 trip to Pontins with Richard’s Style Dance Academy.

She contacted the Mercury after hearing of the police swoop from her kids.

“If what they are saying is true, then it’s diabolical,” she said. “Who would do something like that with children around?”

More than 100 parents have left scathing comments on an online dance forum, venting their anger.

Chloe Wright said: “My brother lost his life by taking drugs. Taking cocaine is dangerous and I don’t think any child’s welfare should be compromised. Cocaine and crack are Class A drugs – illegal to have, give away or sell.”