ELIZABETH MARLAND

FORMER SPECIAL NEEDS ASSISTANT ADMITS SEXUAL OFFENCES AGAINST CHILD

In April 2021, Elizabeth Marland, a 42-year-old former employee at Moor Hey Mathematics and Computing Specialist College located on Far Croft in Lostock Hall, near Preston, was sentenced to serve 18 months in prison after being found guilty of serious sexual offences committed against a 16-year-old boy.

Marland, who previously worked as a special needs teaching assistant at the school, appeared before Preston Crown Court where she entered guilty pleas to three separate allegations related to her misconduct.

The court proceedings revealed the disturbing nature of her actions, which took place during her time at the educational institution.

The judge presiding over the case, Beverly Lunt, emphasised the severity of the offences and the impact they could have had on the victim.

As part of her sentence, Marland was also ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register for a period of ten years, a measure intended to monitor her activities and prevent further harm.

Marland's conviction has sent shockwaves through the local community in Preston and Lostock Hall, where she was known for her role in supporting students with special needs.

The case highlights the ongoing concerns about safeguarding within educational environments and the importance of vigilance in protecting vulnerable young people from exploitation and abuse.