Primary school deputy head, 44, charged over rape of girl under 13

The deputy headteacher of a primary school has been charged over the alleged rape of a child.

Julie Morris, 44, deputy head of St George's Central Church of England Primary School in Tyldesley, Wigan, has been charged with inciting sexual activity and aiding and abetting the rape of a girl under 13.

A man, David Morris, 52, from Eccleston, who is not related to her, has been charged with three counts of rape of a girl under 13.

He is also charged with causing and inciting a girl under 13 to engage in sexual activity.

Merseyside Police said the offences are alleged to have taken place in Eccleston and were not related to the deputy head teacher’s employment in Wigan.

Morris, from Hindley, Greater Manchester, has been suspended from her role by Wigan Council.

She has been a deputy headteacher for about 10 years.

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In a letter to all parents, St George’s headteacher Mark Grogan said the allegations were “distressing” and “will come as a shock for everyone within the school community”.

He wrote: “It is important to emphasise, the charges in relation to the alleged offences are not connected with our school.”

He urged parents to “be mindful” of the “active court proceedings and police investigation”.

Both David Morris and Julie Morris appeared at Liverpool Magistrates' Court on Monday.

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They have been remanded in custody to appear at Liverpool Crown Court on 4 October.

In a statement, Merseyside Police said: “We can confirm that two people have been charged with child sex offences which are alleged to have taken place in Eccleston, Merseyside.

“Julie Morris is employed in the education sector in Wigan. We are working closely with Greater Manchester Police and Wigan Council to ensure that adequate safeguarding measures are in place.

“The offences for which she has been charged are not related to her employment in Wigan.”

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