A MAN convicted of indecent assault offences while he worked as a funeral director has been jailed for 18 months.

Duncan Berry, aged 35, of Rochdale Road, Bury, was found guilty by majority verdicts on three charges, and acquitted on two more after a trial at Preston Crown Court.

Berry, formerly of East Fen, New Leak, Boston, Lincolnshire, was arrested following allegations involving three women he worked with at a firm of undertakers.

Judge David Boulton said he had abused his position of power and trust, exerting domination over women he employed, who were therefore vulnerable.

His behaviour had been so gross that the woman had not wanted to go to work.

One of the alleged victims, a blonde office worker, denied that she had lied to get even with him.

The jury was told that she saw Berry standing in the Chapel of Rest with his trousers round his ankles and that he made a suggestion to her.

She denied a defence claim that she and Berry had had sex together in the chapel, and that she felt used after he told her it had been a horrible mistake.

Father-of-two Berry had denied any indecency with the women.