AN acclaimed headteacher has been charged with indecently assaulting a boy.

Anne Lakey, chief executive of the Durham Federation schools, faces seven indecent assault allegations against a boy aged under 16, dating back to between July 1989 and May 1990.

The 54-year-old, of Stanley, County Durham, will appear at Consett Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, December 18.

Noelle Brockbank, senior crown prosecutor at the Crown Prosecution Service North East, said: “The decision (to charge) was taken in accordance with the Code for Crown Prosecutors.”

Ms Lakey is currently suspended from her role at the Durham Federation, which includes Durham Community Business College in Ushaw Moor and Fyndoune Community College in Sacriston.