Former Birkdale headteacher cleared of historical sexual offences

The former head teacher of Birkdale High School has been cleared of five counts of indecent assault on a boy under 16.

Marcus Barker not guilty by a jury on all counts following a trial.

54 year-old Mr Barker of Lakeside Drive, Esher, Surrey, became principal of Ashcroft Technology Academy in Putney in 2007 after leaving his post at Birkdale High school.

Barker appeared at Staffordshire Magistrates’ Court on Thursday April 27, 2017.

Barker pleaded not guilty to the charges, which related to historical allegations from more 30 years ago – and which are understood to have pre-dated his becoming a teacher.