Former teacher cleared of one abuse allegation

A former assistant headteacher at a West Yorkshire residential school has been found not guilty on one allegation of sexual abuse against a male pupil, but a jury is still considering verdicts on a further 21 charges.

Peter Merrick, 66, of Burton Road, Overseal, Derbyshire, has denied a series of allegations relating to his time at the William Henry Smith school near Brighouse in the late 1970s and 80s.

Merrick is alleged to have sexually abused four male pupils who cannot be identified for legal reasons.

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The jury began their discussions on Monday and yesterday returned a not guilty verdict on a charge of indecent assault on a male person.

The Bradford Crown Court jury will continue deliberating today on the remaining 19 allegations of indecent assault and two further charges relating to serious sexual offences.