Leyland head teacher charged with sexual abuse of pupil
A head teacher has been charged with historical sexual offences against a primary school pupil in Lancashire.
James Bird, 52, of Acorn Close, Leyland, is accused of four counts of gross indecency with a boy under 16 at a previous school he worked at between 2002 and 2004.
He has been suspended from Newton Bluecoat CE Primary School, Preston while allegations are probed.
He has been bailed to appear before Blackburn magistrates on 22 April.
Tim Walker, chairman of governors at Newton Bluecoat CE Primary School, said: "I can confirm that Mr Bird was suspended when these allegations were made but cannot comment further as the matter is subject to the legal process.
"With the cooperation of the police, we were able to inform parents of the content of their statement before it was made public and also reassure them that the charges relate to a former employment."