A former Deputy Headteacher in Wigan and her partner have been jailed for sexual offences against children
Julie Morris, 44, of Ancroft Drive, Hindley was jailed for 13 years, four months, plus four years on extended licence, in relation to two counts of rape of a child under 13, sexual activity with a child, engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child, causing a child under 13 to engage in sexual acts, taking indecent photographs of a child, sexual communications with a child and possession of indecent images of children.
Following an earlier guilty plea, David Morris, 52, of Sandfield Road, Eccleston, was sentenced to 16 years, plus four years on extended licence, in relation to seven counts of rape of a child under 13, sexual activity with a child, engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child, sexual communications with a child, taking indecent photographs of a child, possession of indecent images of a child, distribution of indecent images of a child, possession of prohibited images of a child, possession of extreme pornographic images and voyeurism.
Merseyside police found 175,000 pages of chat logs, spanning across three years, revealed the couple’s sexual interest in young children when they were arrested
Julie Morris, who was Deputy Headteacher at a primary school in Tyldesley, Wigan, also sent photographs of children at her school to David Morris.
These photographs were not indecent, or criminal in nature, and there is no evidence that any of the children were harmed. None of the offences Julie Morris has been jailed for relate to her employment.
The couple were found to be in possession of £10,000 cash and their campervan was packed with their belongings indicating that they were about to abscond before they were arrested
The judge said that the case demonstrated that human depravity really knows no depths’
Detective Chief Inspector Bev Hyland said: “These extremely serious offences committed by Julie and David Morris have had a devastating impact on the victims and their families.
“The defendants were fully aware of their actions when committing these deplorable offences and we welcome the lengthy sentences of 16years and 13 years given out by the court today. I hope that some comfort can now be taken now that the defendants will be spending a significant amount of time in prison and can no longer cause any further harm to children.
“I would like to thank the detectives on the investigation team who have worked tirelessly to gather the evidence to bring Julie and David Morris to justice.
“What makes this case even more concerning is the fact that Julie Morris held a position of trust as a teacher, she held the role of safeguarding lead, and yet she saw fit in her own personal life to completely disregard all of the responsibilities and the trust that her role held.
