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

A deputy head at a primary school in Greater Manchester has been charged with facilitating the rape of a girl under 13, it was reported yesterday.

Julie Morris, 44, had been working at St George’s Central Church of England in Wigan for ten years before she was remanded in custody after appearing in court this week.

She has been charged with aiding and abetting the rape of a girl under 13 and inciting sexual activity with a child, also under 13.

Police have confirmed that 52-year-old David Morris from Eccleston, on Merseyside – who has been accused of raping the victim – has also been charged.

He has been charged with three counts of rape of a girl under 13 and inciting a girl under 13 to engage in sexual activity.

In a letter to all parents, headteacher at St. George’s Mr Grogan said the allegations would be ‘distressing’ and ‘will come as a shock for everyone within the school community’.

He urged parents to ‘be mindful’ of the ‘active court proceedings and police investigation’.

All charges are alleged to have taken place in Eccleston and are not related to Ms Morris’ work as a teacher in Wigan, police said.

Both David Morris and Julie Morris appeared at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court on Monday, September 6.

The pair have been remanded in custody to appear at the crown court in Liverpool on October 4.

A spokesperson from Merseyside Police said it is ‘working closely with Greater Manchester Police and Wigan Council to ensure that adequate safeguarding measures are in place’.