A TEACHER and voluntary police officer is accused of sexually assaulting a child under 13-years-old.

Craig Keane, who used to teach at Mayflower High School, in Stock Road, Billericay, faces nine charges.

The 28-year-old design and technology teacher, also a Metropolitan Special Sergeant, has been suspended from the force and his current job at Sandon School, in Chelmsford.

The charges do not involve a child at either school.

Lee Brumby, headteacher of Mayflower High School was quick to distance the school from Keane, who appeared at Barkingside Magistrates’ court on Friday.

He said: “The safety and wellbeing of pupils is of paramount importance to us and we take our safeguarding responsibilities extremely seriously.

“Mr Keane has not worked at the school since December 2013 and the allegations against him are not linked to his time at the school.

“Given there are ongoing legal proceedings, it would be inappropriate to comment any further.”

Keane was bailed to attend Snaresbrook Crown Court on Monday, February 20, while an investigation is being led by the Met’s Sexual Offences Exploitation and Child Abuse Command.

Jo Wincott, headteacher of Sandon School, said: “We can confirm that Mr Keane was suspended in October 2016, immediately after his arrest.

“Mr Keane has not subsequently attended school.

“The school has worked with the Metropolitan Police throughout their investigations and will continue to do so.

“We take safeguarding extremely seriously and have appropriate and robust policies and procedures in place.”

Mr Wincott wrote to parents to reveal Keane had been charged. He said he wanted them to find out directly “rather than via the press or social media”.

Keane gave his address to the court as Grange Road, Chessington, Surrey.