A woman has spoken about how her life was ruined after she was raped by her teacher more than 20 years ago.
Kerry Dale, 44, was jailed for seven years last week for three different counts while she was a teacher at Glenburn Sports College in Skelmersdale, Lancashire.
The attacks took place over a two-year period from January 2000 to March 2002 and it is only because of the bravery of her victim that Dale was brought to justice.
Her victim, who was a young teenager at the time, said that she continues to suffer panic attacks and nightmares. She has also lost friendships, which has put a strain on her family.
Dale, who was found guilty of all counts she was on trial for at Preston Crown Court, will now be on the sex offenders’ register for life.
Detective Sergeant Karen Harrison, from Lancashire Constabulary’s rape and serious sexual offences team, said: “The victim in this case has shown incredible bravery and I want to place on record my admiration for the courage she has shown throughout this process.
“I would encourage anyone who has been the victim of a sexual offence to make contact with the police, confident in the knowledge that we will investigate professionally and with sensitivity and putting the victim at the heart of everything we do.
“We have implemented in force dedicated rape and serious sexual assault teams to ensure investigators with the appropriate training take ownership of investigations and look after the individual needs of victims.
“No matter how historic the case may be, we will investigate it and do everything in our power to put perpetrators before the courts.”