In powerful victim impact statements, the two former pupils abused by then assistant head Terence Burke told the court how he still haunts their dreams and terrified them.

The statements were read out at the sentencing of Burke, former assistant head at Falmouth School, to 18 years in prison for sexual abuse of both girls. The two women said they would never get over what he had done to them.

Both women, identified only as Child A and Child B, said they thought they were in love with Burke and he in love with them.

“When I was a child at school I believed I love him and he loved me and I was the only one he was in relationship with,” said Child A in a statement read out by the prosecution barrister.

"It was all secret and he would get into trouble if anyone asked about it.

“He took advantage of my vulnerabilities and effectively stole my childhood. I now accept this was profound abuse.

“At school he talked about committing the perfect murder to get revenge; I'm not sure I took it seriously at the time but his words have haunted me. I now suspect he tried to intimidate me.”

She said she lived in constant fear he would want revenge for going against him and she felt completely vulnerable looking over her shoulder all the time.

Falmouth Packet: The victims said Terence Burke haunted their dreamsThe victims said Terence Burke haunted their dreams (Image: Devon and Cornwall Police)

“Although he never hurt me while we were together I know he will see this as a betrayal and he will be livid,” she said. “This process has left me absolutely exhausted and I'm struggling to sleep. I'd like to think I get some relief when this process is over but I realise it will never be over for me and my family.”

Child B said she had looked forward to joining Falmouth School unaware that it would be the worst chapter of her life.

She said everybody loved Burke and she thought he was brilliant, sitting in his office, talking about animals, oblivious to the fact she was being groomed.

“He built trust and took advantage of his position, he messed with my head so much I saw no wrong in what he was doing and I actually enjoyed spending time with him.”

She said since the abuse she had struggled to maintain relationships and attempted to take her own life on a number of occasions, and would have intrusive thoughts thinking her family would be better off without her.

She said her skin crawls at the thought of Terry Burke touching her.

“Occasionally when I've come across a man who reminds me of Mr Burke I have lost it. Panic attacks, running, being sick. Even reversing my car into a wall on one occasion to get away from a person I knew wasn't him. I knew it wasn't him but my mind convinced me otherwise.

“I have struggled mentally since to deal with the trauma. This man is haunting me daily. It's frightening. I smell him, I hear his voice and see his face. I can't open my eyes, I feel like I'm in a prison that has been created when he took my innocence. He took my virginity and he ruined me.

“I was predicted good GCSEs and I did not get the results I deserved.

"I carried my dark secret.”