2002; FUNERAL DIRECTOR DUNCAN BERRY JAILED FOR INDECENT ASSAULT
2002: A funeral director convicted of indecent assault has been sentenced to a term of 18 months in prison.Duncan Berry, 35 years old and residing on Rochdale Road in Bury, was convicted by the court on three counts related to indecent assaults by a majority verdict.
He was acquitted of two other charges after a trial held at Preston Crown Court.
The court was told that Berry, who previously lived in East Fen, New Leak, Boston, Lincolnshire, abused his position of trust and exercised control over women employed at his funeral services firm.
Judge David Boulton commented that Berry had exploited his authority in a way that left the women feeling exposed and uncomfortable, with one victim even refusing to attend work.
Among the witnesses, a blonde office worker denied fabricating her story out of spite and recounted witnessing Berry with his trousers around his ankles in the Chapel of Rest, where he made a suggestive comment which she declined to respond to.
She also denied that they had engaged in sex inside the chapel, stating she felt manipulated and that Berry had told her it was a mistake she would regret.
Throughout the trial, Berry maintained his innocence, asserting he had not committed any indecent acts against the women.
