A MEMBER of teaching staff at an East Lancashire high school has been charged with sexual assualt and abusing his position of trust.

Yesterday afternoon, police charged Christopher Midgley, 26, with four counts of sexual touching of a boy under 16.

He has also been charged with another four offences of adult abuse of a position of trust, police said.

Allegations that a member of staff at Darwen Aldridge Community Academy had incited a boy to engage in sexual activity were made to police in February.

Police said the boy was 14-years-old at the time of the offences, which allegedly took place over a two year period.

Midgley, who is also a Chorley District Scouts young leaders’ leader, has been bailed to appear before Blackburn Magistrates on May 30.

He was suspended from Darwen Aldridge Community Academy by the principal when he was arrested.

The Scout Association also suspended Midgley from his duties as soon as bosses became aware of the allegations.

Brendan Loughran, principal at Darwen Aldridge Community Academy, said: “We take allegations of this nature extremely seriously and have given the police every assistance with their investigations.

“These have now been concluded and the police have issued a statement.

“It would be inappropriate for us to comment further at this stage.”

A police spokesman said: “Christopher Midgley, 26, of Brookside, Coppull, Chorley was charged with four counts of sexual touching of a boy under 16 and four offences of adult abuse of a position of trust.

“He was charged yesterday afternoon and has been bailed to appear before Blackburn Magistrates Court on May 30.

“The victim was 14 at the time of the offence. ”

Simon Carter, assistant director of marketing and communications at the Scout Association, said: “The Scout Association was aware of the charges made against Midgley.

“The Scout Association has co-operated fully with the statutory agencies throughout their inquiries.

“Action to suspend Midgley from involvement with the movement was taken as soon as we were made aware of the allegation.

“The Scout Association carries out stringent vetting of all adults who work with young people and requires them to work to a strict code of practice.

“This is outlined in the ‘Young People First’ Code of Practice. “