A TEACHER has appeared in court, accused of sexual activity with a teenage pupil.

Charlotte Parker, 31, of Raven Lane, in Billericay, is charged with six sexual offences against a boy when he was aged between 13 and 17.

She had been due to plead to three counts of sexual touching, two counts of making an indecent photograph and one count of abusing a position of trust.

However, the Crown Prosecution Service told Judge John Lodge they needed more time to prepare the case.

The teacher, who worked at a school in mid-Essex, was dressed in a black suit with her long blonde hair tied back in to a ponytail.

She sobbed in the dock during the hearing at Basildon Crown Court, which lasted about 30 minutes.

Parker was told her case woud be adjourned until the week commencing October 13.

During that time psychiatric reports will be prepared.

Parker was released on unconditional bail until her next hearing.

After the hearing, a spokesman from the school, said: “The safety of our pupils is our main priority and we take safeguarding very seriously.

“We had ensured all correct procedures were followed with regards to this isolated incident.

“As soon as we became aware of it, the member of staff had no contact with pupils and was not allowed on to school premises.

“The incident was handed over to the police who we gave our full cooperation.”