4:00pm Friday 10th July 2009
By Sarah Calkin
A COLLEGE teacher is being investigated over claims by a mother he had an affair with her student daughter.
David Harries teaches sport at Seevic College in Thundersley, but has been suspended since Easter after a complaint was made about the alleged sexual relationship.
Mr Harries is a keen rugby fan who was a player coach at Billericay Rugby Club as well as coaching the team at Seevic.
The allegations against him have been referred to social services which is investigating the claims.
John Driver, vice principal of curriculum, at the college confirmed a member of staff, has been suspended pending an investigation.
He said: “We have followed college procedures in this matter and social services, are now leading the investigation.
“The college is waiting for social services to confirm the results of their findings.”
Seevic College caters for sixth form students aged 16 and over, as well as offering adult education courses.
It does not take students aged under 16.
Essex County Council runs social services and spokeswoman Katie Canning said she could not comment on the investigation while it was ongoing.
She added: “He was in a position of trust and the allegation is one of an abuse of trust so it has been referred to social services.
“We do not know when it is likely to be complete.”
But the parent of the girl, who did not want to be named to protect the identity of her daughter, is angry the matter still has not been resolved.
The parent said: “I understand the investigation is ongoing, but three months seems a little excessive.”
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