A Swindon man who sexually abused girls at a school in Cornwall has been jailed.
Terence Burke, 75, was the assistant head teacher and safeguarding lead at Falmouth School when a string of offending took place between 2000 and 2005.
The defendant engaged in unlawful sexual relationships with two pupils, commencing when they were both 15 years of age, and lasting for an extended period of time.
Burke was convicted of 16 offences – including five counts of indecent assault and four counts of indecency with a child – at Truro Crown Court on 12 July, and was sentenced to 18 years imprisonment.
Investigative officer Detective Constable Isabelle Woodall said: “I am delighted by today’s outcome and sentence which I sincerely hope will bring a sense of justice to the victims.
“These were appalling offences committed against some of the vulnerable schoolgirls that Mr Burke, as assistant head teacher and safeguarding lead at Falmouth School, was tasked to protect, and constitutes a gross breach of trust.
“Today’s result is a testament to the bravery of the victims and witnesses who assisted with the investigation and attended court to give evidence.
“Whilst nothing will change the impact of this man’s offences on our victims, It is my hope that they will now be able to put these awful events behind them and move on with their lives.”
The trial heard important background information from a third student who had received inappropriate advances and gifts from Burke which echoed the pattern of grooming. This was fortunately detected before it could progress further.
Senior Crown Prosecutor Beth Wycherley said: “The defendant was a trusted and well-respected teacher and deputy head who was held in high regard by colleagues and popular with pupils.
“He used this popularity to ingratiate himself with the victims in this case, lavishing them with gifts and attention in order to gain their confidence and facilitate his offending. In doing so, he abused the trust placed in him by students, staff, and parents in the school community.
“I would like to commend the tremendous courage shown by these young women in coming forwards to report what happened to them and for showing such bravery in speaking out to bring Burke to justice.
“The effect of this offending has been long-lasting for Burke’s victims and I hope that the jury’s verdicts will allow them some closure.”
