A former deputy head at Falmouth School has been convicted after being accused of grooming teenage girl students before having sex with them. 

Terence Burke, aged 75, from Swindon, was sentenced to 18 years in prison at Truro Crown Court on Thursday 13 July for offences including five counts of indecent assault, four counts of indecency with a child, two counts of sexual activity with a child and three counts of sexual activity with a child by a person of trust.

Investigative officer Detective Constable Isabelle Woodall said: "I am delighted by today's outcome and sentence which I sincerely hope will bring a sense of justice to the victims.

"These were appalling offences committed against some of the vulnerable schoolgirls that Mr Burke, as assistant head teacher and safeguarding lead at Falmouth School, was tasked to protect, and constitutes a gross breach of trust.

"Today's result is a testament to the bravery of the victims and witnesses who assisted with the investigation and attended court to give evidence.

"Whilst nothing will change the impact of this man's offences on our victims, It is my hope that they will now be able to put these awful events behind them and move on with their lives."