Former teacher allegedly ‘played' with female students’ hair and called them 'pretty’ for sexual gratification, trial hears

A former teacher allegedly played with female students’ hair, touched their shoulders and gave them compliments for sexual gratification, a trial has heard.

Anthony Hook, 62, worked at a school in Greater Manchester between 2001 and 2019, Minshull Street Crown Court heard. The school cannot be named for legal reasons.

Whilst teaching there, he allegedly sexually assaulted eight students, all of whom were under the age of 16 at the time.

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The offences came to light when Greater Manchester Police received a report from one of the victims and later posted a press release on Facebook about Mr Hook and the allegations, the court heard.

Following that, a number of people commented on the post, with a number of victims coming forward to make statements about Mr Hook’s behaviour at the time when they were students.

Prosecutor Fiona McNeill said: “The prosecution say this was ongoing, persistent behaviour, and he took advantage of his position of trust.

“He was described as inappropriately touching them for his own sexual gratification.”

She said that Mr Hook was given a warning about his conduct towards pupils in November 2015, but he appeared to have ‘failed to heed that warning’ and continued with the alleged behaviour.

She said that he accepts some of the interactions but denies any sexual intent or desire to obtain sexual gratification. He said any comments were designed to simply encourage confidence and boost their morale in school, Ms McNeill added.

Mr Hook, of Stretford Road, Urmston, has pleaded not guilty to 22 offences of sexual activity with a child, and five offences of sexual activity with a child under 13.

Prosecutors allege