A TEACHER has appeared in court accused of sexual activity with a child.

Simon Parsons, 52, of Uley Road, Dursley, is accused of intentionally touching a girl when she was 16 and 17, at locations including at his school, his home and on trips to London and Edinburgh.

Drama teacher Parsons appeared at North Avon Magistrates Court, Yate, on Tuesday, charged with six counts of sexual activity with a girl amounting to an abuse of a position of trust between October 2005 and October 2007.

Parsons spoke only to confirm his name, age and address and no pleas were entered.

Michael Collins, prosecuting, said The defendant was the victim’s drama teacher at the time, teaching her from the age of 13.“it  was alleged that a relationship developed into a sexual relationship developed when the girl she was 16, and he was still a teacher at the time.

“It was an abuse of trust on the part of the defendant.

The relationship is alleged to have continued for a number of years. It is an extended breach of trust.

His case was adjourned to Bristol Crown Court on Tuesday, November 18 and he was remanded on bail on condition he does not contact the alleged victim.

District Judge Bopa Rai told Parsons: “Because this is an abuse of a position of trust and the age of the young girl I will send this to the Crown Court.”