A Swindon dance teacher is standing trial after being accused of multiple counts of rape.
Richard Whyburd, of Milton Road in Swindon, set up Swindon Academy of Street Dance in 2018 and ran classes for children aged between three and 19.
In December 2025, he appeared in court charged with three counts of rape and one count of engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour in an intimate relationship.
The 42-year-old dance teacher denied the charges against him and was released on conditional bail.
He is now standing trial at Swindon Crown Court.
The first day of the jury trial began on Monday, September 28, and it's scheduled to take place over five days, with a verdict expected on Friday, October 2.
It has been alleged that between December 29, 2015 and July 31, 2020, Whyburd repeatedly engaged in behaviour which was controlling or coercive, including encouraging a woman to take drugs, isolating her from her family and sending abusive messages.
He is also accused of manipulating her into engaging in sexual acts involving role play, including mock rape, acting like a child and playing dead.
The three rape offences reportedly took place between September 1, 2019 and May 31, 2020.
Despite Whyburd's LinkedIn profile stating that he is a dance instructor at Swindon Dance, the organisation has confirmed that this is untrue and he is not associated with them in any way.
A social media post put out by Swindon Dance said: "A warning message for all of our users.
"If you come across a person claiming to be a teacher at Swindon Dance named Richard Whyburd or Why Burd also known as ZBoogz steer clear.
"He is not a teacher at Swindon Dance.
"He has unofficially used our logo and name on his LinkedIn account.
"He is nothing to do with Swindon Dance. We have reported him."
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The dance teacher's business, Swindon Academy of Street Dance, had more than 200 students within its first six months of launching.
It ran classes in New College and Haydon Leisure Centre and has other schools in South Cerney and Cirencester.
The verdict of Whyburd's trial will be reported in the Swindon Advertiser.
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