Anne Lakey Sentenced to 8 years

A headteacher from County Durham's been jailed for eight years for having sex with two boys in the 1980s.

Anne Lakey's sentencing comes after she was found guilty on 13 counts of indecent assault yesterday.

A jury on Teeside decided the 55-year-old's professional persona hid a sordid past.

The prosecution read statements from her victims - with one saying he feels a "sense of shame".

Judge Howard Crowson told Lakey:

"You used subtle persuasion and flattery, encouraging each boy to take his first tentative sexual steps with you.''

He agreed that during her career she had been

"an inspirational teacher and leader of schools''

Adding,

"By your efforts it is clear you have improved the lives of many young people.''

But, in the 1980s, the judge told her:

"You corrupted two boys about half your age. They were naive and immature.''

The judge said he had seen a photo of the younger victim when he was 14, in which he appears to be a child, not a young man.

Tim Roberts QC, mitigating, said Lakey had received treatment for breast cancer in 2012 and would require ongoing care.

The judge said he was conscious of the effect the sentence would have on her family. Lakey's father, husband David and daughter were in the public gallery.

The judge added:

"It will destroy the career you have worked so hard to build. You will find prison a particular hardship given the illness you have battled against.''

She mouthed: "I love you'' to her family as she was led away.