Popular dance teacher, 27, is charged with a litany of child sex crimes including allegations he sexually abused several students as young as 12 over SIX YEARS
A young dance teacher accused of sexually abusing four young students over a six-year period has 'absolutely and categorically' denied the allegations, a court has heard.
Ryan Shane Hards, 27, is the co-owner and artistic director of The Collective Dance Academy at Salamander Bay, on the New South Wales mid-north coast.
Police started investigating in March this year after reports of inappropriate behaviour towards a number of students.
Hards was arrested on Wednesday and hit with 12 charges including three counts of indecent assault of a person under 16 years of age, one count of aggravated sex assault of a victim under the age of 16 years and another of aggravated sexual sex assault.
Pictured: Ryan Hards, 27, who is accused of sexually abusing girls between 12 and 17 between 2013 and 2019
Police will allege in court Hards sexually abused four students and a girl, aged between 12 and 17, between 2013 and 2019.
Hards, who also works as a real estate agent in Port Stephens, made an application for bail at Raymond Terrace Local Court on Thursday, with his family by his side, according to the Daily Telegraph.
Lawyer William Buxton told the court his client has no criminal history and faces a terrifying wait behind bars before his trial starts in 2022.
Ryan Hards also works as a real estate agent in Port Stephens before his arrest
His mother Jodi was concerned that her son has a serious wheat allergy and, if jailed, he could die from anaphylaxis within minutes if he isn't given an Epipen immediately.
'He absolutely and categorically denies each and every one of the allegations,' Mr Buzon said.
'He says he is not guilty and there is no substance to the complaints whatsoever.'
The matter was adjourned until Friday, when a decision on bail will be made.
Hards has been celebrated as a dance teacher in the Port Stephens community
Hards has been celebrated as a dance teacher in the Port Stephens community and featured in a write-up about The Collective Dance Academy in a local publication.
According to the company website, Hards has a 'helps every student reach their full potential'.
'Ryan has been involved in the creative direction of many shows, has led numerous groups and solos to success at eisteddfods and has over 10 years' experience as a teacher and choreographer.'
On Tuesday, the day before his arrest, Hards posted a raving review from a happy client detailing his real estate prowess.
'Always a professional, caring and honest. Ryan out our needs and concerns always at the forefront of his mind,' the review read.
Strike Force Wairakei continue, and anyone with information is urged to contact Port Stephens detectives or Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000.