Former Accrington supply teacher charged with grooming after newspaper sting operation (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Former Accrington supply teacher charged with grooming after newspaper sting operation

1:00pm Monday 4th March 2013 in News By Jessica Cree, Education reporter

A SUPPLY teacher from Accrington has been charged with a grooming offence after a sting operation by a national newspaper.

David Simpson, a former design technology assistant subject leader, who used to work at the Hollins Technology College, Accrington, was arrested when police acted on information provided to them by The Sun newspaper.

The 48-year-old, of Oak Street, Accrington, was charged with attempting to meet a girl under the age 16 following grooming.

He appeared before Blackburn magistrates on Saturday and was remanded in custody.

A spokesman for Lancashire Police said: “The Sun contacted us and gave us the information.

“We arrested Mr Simpson on Friday in Accrington and he has now been charged with attempting to meet a girl under 16 following grooming.

“He is a supply teacher and used to be at Hollins Technology College.

“He appeared at Blackburn Magistrates’ Court on Saturday morning and he has been remanded in custody.”

Steve Campbell, headteacher at Hollins Technology College, said: “We are aware of an ongoing investigation and it would be inappropriate to comment at this time.”