MARK BOCKER

LANCASHIRE EX-HEADTEACHER JAILED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT OF GIRLS

A former Lancashire headteacher who sexually assaulted three girls at his school has been sentenced to prison.

Mark Bocker, aged 65, from Gorse Lane, Formby, was convicted of three counts of sexual assault contrary to the Sexual Offences Act 2003 following a trial last month.

He was today (August 7) at Burnley Crown Court sentenced to 42 months in prison.

In addition to the prison term, he was handed an indefinite sexual harm prevention order and will be registered as a sex offender for life.

Lancashire Constabulary's Investigating Officer Amanda Gallery praised the bravery of the victims, stating, "First and foremost I would like to praise these girls for having the courage to come forward and report to us what happened to them.

I hope the guilty verdicts and sentence give them some sense that justice has been done." She also urged other victims of sexual offences to come forward, saying, "I would encourage anyone who has been a victim of sexual offending, no matter how long ago, to come and speak to us confident that we will investigate sensitively and professionally and will aim to put offenders before the courts."