A ballet teacher who resigned from at Scotland’s biggest ballet school amid claims of "inappropriate behaviour" has been accused of grooming a former student when she was just 16 years old.

Jonathan Barton, former vice-principal of Ballet West Scotland, is facing allegations he abused his position at the £9000-a-year boarding school in Argyll.

An ITV News investigation originally heard from more than 60 women who claimed that the teacher had acted inappropriately.

On Monday, the broadcaster confirmed more than 100 women have now come forward.

One woman, who asked not to be identified, has revealed text messages allegedly sent by Mr Barton, and alleges he groomed her when she was 16 years old.

In one message, he describes a sexual fantasy he has about her, before going on to say, “I love kissing you.” 

She told ITV News: “He’s denied these allegations but I am here looking at the proof.”

“He definitely avoided the confident girls in the class, and he went for the young innocent girls who he could easily manipulate.

“He was really secretive about our relationship in front of other members of staff and at the time, naively, I thought he was embarrassed of me, that I wasn't good enough. Looking back, he knew he was in the wrong and he was just terrified of getting caught.

“Weirdly, he wasn't as secretive of our relationship in front of other students and I think that was because he wanted to normalise our relationship in front of other students so he could drop me for another girl if he wanted to. 

“He started messaging me, then gradually these messages became more and more frequent. 

“And then eventually he invited me up to his room in the middle of the night. And the first time I said no. 

“And I remember him making me feel almost pathetic and prudish for not wanting to go. 

“And so then his messages became much more persistent. And eventually I gave in to them. And that's when we started a relationship. 

“I was a young 16-year-old girl. This is the first time I'd ever had an intimate relationship with somebody.  And as a young girl, I thought it was a normal relationship. But now when I look back as an adult, I can see how manipulating he was, how controlling he was.  And he just said what he needed to say to get what he wanted.

“I saw the school deny everything and it’s just typical of them to deny it all. I felt angry at that. That’s probably one of the reasons I’m speaking now because it’s got to be put to an end.”

Police are now reportedly investigating the allegations. 

Jonathan Barton’s legal team were approached for comment by ITV News, and their most recent statement to the broadcaster said: “This is now an ongoing police investigation. We had contact with the Detective concerned.

"Having considered the matter it is our view that this development now makes it inappropriate for our client to have any further contact with you or to make any further comment.”

In a statement, the Royal Academy of Dance said: "The Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) is deeply concerned by the serious allegations made about Ballet West. 

"Following the resignation of the Vice-Principal, a non-teaching member of the Royal Academy of Dance, and the suspension of a senior member of staff at Ballet West (an RAD Registered Teacher), the RAD has suspended both memberships, pending the outcome of the external independent inquiry or in the event of new information. 

"The RAD takes the safeguarding of young people and vulnerable adults very seriously. 

"We are guided by robust safeguarding policies and procedures, which are reviewed annually in line with legislation by a designated Safeguarding Committee and approved by our Board of Trustees. 

"The RAD is not the governing body for Ballet West and has no legal or regulatory responsibility for the school. 

"Since 2019, the RAD and Ballet West have had an agreement in place offering Ballet West students the opportunity to gain eligibility for RAD Registered Teacher Status. 

"Eligible students must hold an undergraduate degree and have been successful on the RAD’s Access Route. 

"The RAD chooses only to work with reputable and accredited dance institutions. 

"In light of these allegations, and following the decision made by Bath Spa University to end immediately their partnership with Ballet West for delivery of their BA (Hons) Ballet degree programme, the RAD will be terminating its agreement with Ballet West. 

"The RAD is committed to the wellbeing of all its students. 

"We have contacted all Ballet West students currently enrolled on the RAD Access Route confirming our intention to continue with the delivery of the Access Route for those students already registered."

A Ballet West spokesman said: "Any emerging allegations will form part of ongoing external and internal investigations.

"Since ITN broadcast allegations last Thursday, the board has yet to receive any complaint from either students or parents.

"The vast majority of parents who have contacted us have done so in support of Ballet West and the quality of education."