A former assistant headteacher identified as Terence Burke has been sentenced to 18 years in prison, after his conviction for grooming former pupils and engaging in sexual activities with them.

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The 75-year-old was unanimously convicted by the jury at Truro Crown Court on Wednesday.

Who is Terence Burke?

Terence Burke is 75 years old. Burke lived in Penryn at the time the crimes were committed. However, he moved to Swindon after taking an early retirement. He spent more than 30 years teaching at the institution where the crimes were committed.

During his tenure at Falmouth School, Burke was found guilty on multiple charges. These included four counts of indecent assault, five counts of indecency with a child, two counts of sexual activity with a child, three counts of sexual activity with a child while in a position of trust, and two charges of causing or inciting sexual activity with a child while in a position of trust.

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Burke’s victims were two helpless kids who were under his care, and Justice Saini recognized that when he sentenced Burke to 18 years in prison. The judge stated that Burke’s actions inflicted significant emotional distress and ongoing mental health issues upon the girls involved. 

Justice Saini emphasized that Burke’s actions continue to haunt the victims, noting that they felt compelled to lie to authorities to protect him. The judge highlighted the manipulation and fear that Burke instilled in the victims, leading them to believe they would face consequences if the truth came to light.

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Burke had misled everyone around him, according to Justice Saini, by portraying himself as amiable, personable, and eager to go above and beyond. However, it soon became clear that Burke had abused his power. The judge emphasized that Burke’s actions were in direct contradiction to the concept of safeguarding. He exploited the vulnerabilities of the teenage girls, identified as Child A and Child B, for his own sexual gratification over an extended period.